i4 Lab

Brazil

Instructor Information

Prof. Regina Pierantoni McCarthy

Lecturer of Portuguese at the Spanish and Portuguese Department at OSU

Native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Course Description

The i4 Lab is a two-credit course designed to complement the i4 MBA 808 course. The purpose of the lab is to allow students to gain cultural context to apply to their business interactions and coursework while preparing the students to successfully navigate their in-country experience.

Course Objectives

Students will understand the key cultural elements in Brazil and will be able to identify regional variations of the Brazilian culture. By the end of the course, students will:

·  Develop cross-cultural skills and understanding;

·  Develop the ability to work in the environment, including using survival language skills in-country (greetings, introductions, asking for help, etc.);

·  Describe key cultural traditions (sports, holidays, religion, food, music);

·  Understand how culture affects business communication, marketing, and negotiation;

·  Understand norms for doing business in the region, including business etiquette, working effectively in a team, management issues, etc.);

·  Understand basic concepts of project management, including scope creep, working with clients, and giving a successful final presentation.

·  Learn logistics of traveling in-country (safety, money, vaccines, etc.).

Course Reading Materials

Required Reading

·  Culture Smart! Brazil – The essential guide to customs and culture . Sandra Branco with Rob Williams, Kuperard, seventh printing 2011.

Supplemental Reading (suggested, but not required)

·  In-Flight Portuguese. New York: Living Language, 2001.

·  The Brazilian People: The Formation and Meaning of Brazil. Darcy Ribeiro, University of Florida, 2000.

·  Culture Grams World Edition 2011– Federative Republic of Brazil. ProQuest, www.culturegrams.com

Course Requirements

This class is a two-credit-hour free elective within the MBA program. The course involves preparatory work in the winter quarter with a field trip during the spring break. The course will be graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory based on the following:

·  Weekly language and culture quizzes - 33%

·  Participation/Attendance – 34%

·  Weekly homework (i.e., language practice) – 33%

Class Participation

Each student is required to be an active participant in class discussions. Your participation grade will reflect our assessment of your total contribution to the learning environment. This includes not only the frequency of your contributions in class, but also their quality. Quality includes, among other things: (1) sound, rigorous, and insightful contributions; (2) ability to draw on course materials and your own experience productively; (3) ability to advance or sharpen in-class discussion; (4) professionalism of your conduct (attendance, punctuality, preparedness, and showing respect to all class members and guest speakers). Unexcused absences and lack of preparation will be counted heavily against your grade.

Homework

In addition to weekly discussions in class, you are also required to complete the assigned homework. Each homework assignment is due at the beginning of class the next session after it is assigned.

Quizzes

Students will also be quizzed on prior cultural discussions, course readings, and language learned so far.

Course Calendar

Date / Time / Location / Pre-Reading / Topics / Homework & Quiz
4 - Jan / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Making Friends (Ch. 5) and Communicating (Ch. 9) / Introductions and Syllabus (10 min)
Language (20 min):
-Greetings and Introductions
-Formal v. Informal
Culture 101 (20 min):
-Guided Group Interviews with Native Speakers
Trip Logistics (35 min) / Handouts to be provided
11 - Jan / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / No Class
18 - Jan / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Land & People (Ch. 1) and Religion, Customs and Traditions (Ch. 3) / Language (40 min):
-Brazilian Food/Meals
-Eating Out/Ordering Food
Culture 101 (45 min):
-Brazilian Regions, Diversity of Customs/Traditions, Religion / Handouts to be provided
25 - Jan / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Business Briefing (Ch. 8) / Language (40 min):
-Asking for Directions
-At a Business Meeting
Culture 101 (45 min):
-Business Etiquette – perspective from a successful Brazilian businesswoman
-Dress Code, Negotiation, Business Entertaining / Handouts to be provided
1 - Feb / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Project Management Class (90 min)
Date / Time / Location / Pre-Reading / Topics / Homework & Quiz
8 - Feb / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Values & Attitudes (Ch. 2) and Brazilians at Home (Ch. 4) / Language (40 min):
-Expressions of Courtesy
-The Word “Saudade”
-Asking for Help
Culture (45 min):
-Family Values, Daily Routine, Marriage, Macho Men, Children / Handouts to be provided
15 - Feb / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Time Out (Ch. 6) and Traveling (Ch. 7) / Language (30 min):
-Going Shopping
-Currency, Exchanging Money
Student Presentations (60 min):
-Themes: Holidays, Music, Religion, Sports, Food (12 min each) / Handouts to be provided
22 - Feb / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / No Class
29 – Feb / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / No Class
7 - Mar / 5:30-7:00pm / TBD / Language Review / Language (45 min):
-Oral Practice (pronunciation guide)
Final Itinerary and Logistics (45 min)