| Course Description |  |
   |
|
Click on any postcard to view testimonials.
INR 3931: Theory and Practice for Global Engagement through Beyond Borders
Course Description:
The course is designed to introduce Beyond Borders participants to the concepts, theories, functions and behaviors associated with intercultural communication for your upcoming experience. Throughout the course you will increase your global awareness and cultural adjustment skills, interpret cultural identity and address re-entry challenges. You will be able to more effectively use intercultural communication in your international cultural immersion experience, and also the use of reflection as an important tool for intercultural learning. We will also consider the cultural variations among us and our hosts. Our ultimate goal is to learn about our perspective and the perspective of our host on global engagement.
To achieve this goal, by the end of this class, you will be able to…
- Identify strategies to build, motivate and sustain a team.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and process of intercultural communication, and its application in global settings.
- Demonstrate knowledge of a culture beyond your own as well as an attitude of respect and openness, and that your worldview isn’t universal.
- Identify and interpret the host culture specifically their social and economic conditions, political and religious differences and environmental issues.
- Apply self-understanding, motivation and self-reflection as preparing to engage globally with members from another culture
- Recognize the effects of your own cultural conditioning when communicating across cultures and interpret cultural similarities, differences and their interrelatedness
- Collaborate effectively with people from cultures different from your own
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural situations and enhance your ability to adjust behavior and/or body language
- Identify and interpret the values and norms of your own culture and your host culture, and interpret the cultural similarities, differences and their interrelatedness.
Biesanz, M.H., Biesanz, R., & Biesanz, K.Z. (1999). The Ticos Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc.
Mason, P. (2000). In Focus Jamaica A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture. Brooklyn, NY: Interlink Publishing Group, Inc.
Nees, G. (2000). Germany Unraveling an Enigma. Boston, MA: Intercultural Press.
Attendance:
Class attendance and active participation during class discussion is expected and necessary to facilitate learning. Everyone is expected to be prepared for each class session by completing assigned readings, turning in assignments on time, and contributing to class discussion through critical analysis and integration of ideas and concepts from course readings and other materials. Absence from class does not excuse responsibility for material covered in class, or assignments due on that day. You must sign an attendance sheet at the beginning of each class. You are allowed 2 unexcused absences, any following unexcused absence will cause you to lose 40 points from your final total (of 100), so use those 2 absences wisely. However, you can not use one of your two unexcused absences for the Challenge Course; as that event is critical to the course. Excused absences are verified by: personal illness (verified by a doctor’s note), sanctioned University functions/trips and religious holidays. If you will miss a class due to a religious observance, please notify me as soon as possible.
Grading Scale:
You will be evaluated on an S/U basis for 1 credit hour under the following criteria. In order to receive an “S” in this class you must have at least 70 points. All work must be original to you and done for the first time this semester, for this class.
| Blackboard Post regarding readings (9) | 18 |
| Current Event | 2 |
| FSU Challenge Course | 16 |
| Global Pathways Reflection Forms (2) | 4 |
| Journals (4) | 20 |
| Presentation on Social Issue | 10 |
| Shadow Day Evaluation Form | 5 |
| UFIC Video Survey | 5 |
| Course Reflection & Paper | 20 |
| 100 |
Assignments:
Blackboard Post regarding readings – There will be questions and/or observations posted on Blackboard based on the readings; please share your thoughts with your team mates.
Current Event – A short presentation about a current event in our host country will be presented at the beginning of each class. Students will sign-up for their presentation date on the first day of class.
Challenge Course – Beyond Borders is a group experience; therefore you will participate in the FSU Challenge Course in order to enhance communication skills and team work. An unexcused absence is not permitted for this day.
Global Pathways Reflection Forms – After participating in a community service activity and another social activity with the visiting students you will complete the GP Reflection Form found on Blackboard.
Journals – Each of the four journal entries should be at least two pages in length. The topics for each journal entry are posted on Blackboard.
Presentation – Each group member will give a five minute presentation on a topic of interest regarding the host country. Topics and dates will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.
Shadow Day Evaluation Form – After having a visiting student “shadow” you for a day they will be asked to complete an evaluation about how you shared your culture with them and what they learned from you. This form will be given to the host student assigned to “shadow” you.
UFIC Video Survey – After learning about the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity you will watch short video clips on Blackboard and select which stage the student is in.
Course Reflection & Paper – Prior to departing for your international experience you will need to start the Global Pathways Certificate International Experience Reflection and paper. This will give you an opportunity to process what you have learned up to this point of the exchange program. This will also be useful if you choose to work towards the Global Pathways Certificate.
Florida State Honor Code:
Academic integrity is indispensable to any community of scholars and this class should be an honest, positive environment worthy of your best effort. We take the development of your original ideas seriously and have set high standards for you to be inquisitive. We will be expected to live up to our expectations as members of a community of scholars. Please refer to the FSU Student Handbook regarding academic integrity and honesty. The APA Publication Manual also contains useful information. I am willing to answer any questions or clarify any concerns (although this must be done before turning in any written work or classroom presentations).
- "The academic honor system of Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility to: 1) uphold the highest standards of integrity in the student’s own work; 2) refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the academic community; and 3) foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community."
– FSU Student Handbook.
ADA Policy:
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the:
-
Student Disability Resource Center
97 Woodward Avenue, South
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice) (850) 644-8504 (TDD)
Email: sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
Website: www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu