Languages - Winter 1999

Times: MWF 2-3:10.
Professor: Patti Fitchen
Location: 101 Cowell
E-mail: fitchen@ucsc.edu

In this course we will examine the ways in which culture influences both interpersonal and intercultural communication. We will treat cultural differences, including sex and social behavior, work and learning styles, attitudes towards time and space, non-verbal communication, and stereotypes encountered in host families, in educational institutions, and in work-related situations. The format will include presentations by guest speakers, discussion of cross-cultural experiences, analysis of recorded conversations, videos, film and of literary texts.

This is a course designed for students planning to work or study abroad or who are interested in cultural differences for professional/educational reasons. While we will treat a variety of foreign cultures and domestic co-cultures, cultural values of Latino and Francophone regions of the world will be emphasized. Students wishing to study a specific global area will be encouraged to do so.

Students will be required to define the influences which have contributed to their personal world view and to evaluate their ability to communicate meaningfully in cultures other than their own. Other requirements include active participation in class discussions, demonstrated knowledge of assigned texts (Samovar: Communication Between Cultures, Hall: The Silent Language and Beyond Culture), brief responses to films and videos, and a final project (original film, dialogue, interview, survey) relating to the principles of the course.

Revised 7/26/04.