Cultural Literacy:

An Introduction to Intercultural Experiences

UH 155-004

Fall 2016

Alyssia Miller

General Information:

Class Location:NT 173

Time: T R 11:00am-12:15pm

Email:

Office: BB Comer 234

Office hours: MWF 11am-11:50am

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

Course Prerequisites:

You must be a freshman to take this course.

Required Course Materials:

  1. ½ inch, 3 ring binder
  2. Readings/videos will be posted on Blackboard or distributed as handouts.

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students how to successfully live in and among other cultures. While we will focus on study abroad, this course is also useful for students who do not necessarily plan to study abroad. Encountering unfamiliar cultures is inevitable. In fact, as first-year University Honors students, you are likely to experience a cultural transition of your own as you move from the familiarity of your hometowns to a university campus. This course will introduce you to the academic study of culture, and it willalso help you to navigate the process of living in a new environment.

First, we will discuss the fundamental issues that a student must face when preparing for study (or work) abroad. Next, we will examine a selection of specific cultures through in-depth case studies. Finally, we will discuss several controversial issues from a global perspective. By developing an appreciation for your own culture and an understanding of other cultures, you will be more prepared for the challenge and the responsibility of living and learning abroad.

Course Objectives:

The objectives of this course are:

  • To prepare you for studying, living, workingin new cultures by increasing your awareness of your own culture, and your understanding of other cultures.
  • To increase skill in cross-cultural communication.
  • To introduce culture-specific sets of values.
  • To increase your understanding of controversial global issues.
  • To introduce you to study abroad opportunities offered by the University.

Learning Goals:

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand what culture is and how it is relevant to your life.
  • More successfully communicate with others from different cultures.
  • Be better prepared to study, work, or live abroad.
  • Have greater knowledge of global issues.
  • More effectively make classroom presentations.
  • More effectively synthesize and summarize complex data.

Outline of Topics Covered For the Semester:

  • Cultural Values
  • Culture Shock and Culture Adjustment
  • Intercultural Communication Concepts
  • Study Abroad Programs / Opportunities
  • Cultural Case Studies
  • Global Issues and Country Specific Information

Attendance:

Attendance in all class meetings is expected.

You have two unexcused absences. After your second absence, your final grade will be lowered by 1% and will continue to be lowered by 1% for each additional absence.

Participation:

You earn a significant percentage of your final grade by your participation. Participation includes contributing to class discussions by asking questions, giving examples, and offering thoughtful speculations. A lively discussion makes for a more meaningful (and more interesting) class session. Please be prepared by having done the reading assignments for the day (this will also earn you participation points).

Grading Policy:

There will be no final exam for this course. Instead, all assignments will be completed prior to the exam period. You will be graded upon:

  1. Attendance (15%)
  2. Participation (15%)
  3. Study Abroad Presentation (20%)
  4. International Interviews/Experiences Journal (5 entries x 5% each = 25%)
  5. Passport Portfolio(25%)

All assignments will use the following grading scale:

A+ = 98-100; A = 93-97; A- = 90-92; B+ = 88-89; B = 83-87; B- = 80-82; C+ = 78-79; C = 73-77; C- = 70-72.

Make-up Work:

Make-up work is possible, but generally, only in emergency situations (dire family emergency, for example). If you do require make-up work, please let me know as soon as possible and please expect that the make-up work will almost always be more writing/reading than the original assignment.

The use of cell phones (including for texting) is not permitted during class sessions.

Please turn them off and put them away when class begins.

Academic Misconduct:

Your instructor expects students to observe strictly the University’s Codes of Conduct ( These policies explicitly prohibit “cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation” by University students. Your instructor will refer all violations to the proper authority.

Students with Disabilities:

Students who require accommodations should see the instructor at their earliest convenience. For more information about testing for and documentation of disabilities, please contact the Office of Student Disabilities at 133-B Martha Parham East (348-4285).

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