Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Misunderstandings often arise when speakers of different languages, or indeed speakers
of the same language communicate. Some misunderstandings are easily identified and
rectified or may be of little consequences. At other times there can be a complete
breakdown in communication. Serious miscommunication can even result when neither
party is aware that there is any problem. Both parties may think that the other is
understanding perfectly what they are saying, though a major misunderstanding is
unfolding resulting in misdiagnosis, mistreatment, gross injustice, financial penalty or
the like. The course seeks to identify and make explicit sources of misunderstanding
through practical investigation of interactions in a range of contexts. It will specifically
address the use of interpreters, the role of dialectal differences and different cultural
scripts (including subcultures within the same language group). Practical means of
identifying and minimizing misunderstandings will be promoted. This course will be of
interest to a wide range of students, including students of Linguistics, Medicine, Nursing
and other health professions, Law, Media, Education, Social Work, languages etc.
Notice:
Kindly make sure the work you are assigned with is done within the bounds of time. As due to
the lack of time, there will be no makeup of presentations, viva and quiz.
The ELL Policy on Writing. In all courses, student's written work is evaluated for effectiveness,
as well as content. The writing must express ideas clearly, logically, and maturely, using
Standard English sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. Students must acknowledge all
sources of information by following a standard citation format.
Students Conduct. Students should read the section of the LBS catalog entitled "Code of
Student Conduct," as well as other documents, policies, and the student handbook. Students
are reminded that they should not disrupt or obstruct teaching and learning. Nonetheless, if a
student or group of students is found disturbing the class in any way will be expelled from the
class and will not be allowed until authorized by the Director Academics.
Academic Integrity. All students are expected to behave with academic honesty. It is not
academically honest to misrepresent another person's work as your own, to take credit for
someone else's words or ideas, to accept help on a test or assignment when you are expected
to work independently, to obtain advanced information on confidential test materials, or to act
in a way that might harm another student's chance for academic success.
Cell Phones. Please turn off cell phones during class.
For all purpose of communication with your teacher, you are required to contact through your
CR/GR.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Final: 40%
Mid: 25%
Quizzes: 05%
Assignments 10%
Presentation 15%
Class participation + Attendance 05%
Total: 100%
ABSOLUTE GRADING
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classroom participation, and sharing of their own personal insights gained from
lifelong experiences.
3 Cultural Adaptation
6 Presentations
8 Mid Term
9 Intercultural citizenship
11 Presentations + Assignments
16 Final Terms
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RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK(S)
1. Hall, Edward, Beyond Culture. New York, NY: Anchor Books, 1977.(ISBN-10:
0385124740)
2. Hofstede, Gert Jan, Paul B. Pederson, Geert Hofstede, Exploring Culture: Exercises,
Stories, and Synthetic Cultures. Boston, MA: Intercultural Press, 2002. (ISBN-10:
1877864900)
3. Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G.J., Minkov, M.: Cultures and organizations : software of the
mind; intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival
4. Weaver, Gary, Intercultural Relations: Communication, Identity, and Conflict. Boston,
MA: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2013. (ISBN-10: 126961617)
5. Fadiman, Anne, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her
American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and
Giroux, 1998. (ISBN-10: 0374525641)
6. Additional readings, articles, and videos from academic journals, periodicals, and
credible media organizations addressing specific issues within the course will also be
distributed via Blackboard/email throughout the semester.
7. Be sure to browse both local and global newspapers throughout the semester to keep up with
news and events that carry relevancy to our studies and work. In addition to sources like The
Washington Post or New York Times, consider international papers and non-traditional media
such as credibly maintained blogs and video reports from YouTube.
There will not just be one book recommended to the whole class. Students are advised to
consult different books present in ELL Library. For further information about books, please
contact library staff.
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