SPCH 150: Intercultural Communication

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 162
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Introduction to intercultural communication in domestic and/or global contexts. Influence of cultures, languages, and social patterns on how members of groups relate among themselves and with members of different ethnic and cultural groups. Theory and knowledge of effective communication within and between cultures. Appreciation and comparison of communication of diverse groups within the larger context of American culture. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Recognize and articulate how core values, worldview, and communication patterns shape cultural and individual identity.
  • Identify the components of culture and communication and their interrelationship.
  • Explain how culture influences verbal and nonverbal communication.
  • Comprehend the social and psychological variables of culture and its expression.
  • Discuss the diverse ways of thinking, perceptions and interpretations.
  • Compare and contrast cultural communication strategies in various contexts.
  • Recognize barriers to effective intercultural competencies such as stereotyping, prejudice, and ethnocentrism.
  • Identify elements of common ground among diverse cultures.

Major Course Content

Course Content: 

  1. Theories and principles of intercultural communication.
  2. Components of culture
    1. Worldview
    2. Core values/beliefs
    3. Norms and roles
    4. Assimilation, enculturation
    5. Ethics and morals
  3. Components of communication
    1. Language
    2. Nonverbal codes
    3. Perception
    4. Competencies
  4. Barriers to Intercultural communication
    1. Ethnocentrism
    2. Stereotyping
    3. Prejudice
    4. Discrimination
    5. Power
    6. Culture shock
  5. Social and Psychological Variables
    1. high context/low context
    2. individualism/collectivism
    3. power distance
    4. the relationship between humans and nature
    5. similarities and differences in communication patterns

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Sample essay question: Compare and contrast collectivist and individualistic cultures. Specifically identify three areas of difference that relate to communication behaviors. You may focus on areas such as family, gender, workplace, etc. Tie in specific examples from the textbook, class discussion, or your own experience for each of the three areas.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Research project on area of intercultural communication. Start your project with a section in which you review research that investigates an intercultural theory or concept. Apply the chosen concept to an area where intercultural communication might exist (work, family, interpersonal relationships, etc.). Your 3-5 page paper and slide show presentation should thoroughly cover aspects of the intercultural theory or concept, incorporate scholarly research, and include a handout with the guidelines/suggestions (highlighting research findings) for your classmates, and a full list of references, using proper MLA or APA.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4. Social and Behavioral Sciences