CMST 200 - Intercultural Communication

5 Credits

Speech communication theory and strategies designed to enhance the student’s ability to interact with persons from different cultures both within and outside our border. Studied from the perspective of context, and its application to personal relationships and organizational settings. Intercultural Communication (CMST 200) aligns with Highline’s DG Core Competency.

Placement Eligibility English 97
Course Note Completion of CMST& 101 recommended. Previously SPCH 200.
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Day
Fall Day
Winter Day
Spring Day

Designed to Serve All students preparing to be successful in our new global environment.
Active Date 20230328T10:32:38

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 32
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Communications
Diversity & Globalism
Humanities Area I

ProfTech Related Instruction

Communications

Course Outline
This course focuses on communication theory and strategies designed to enhance students’ ability to interact competently and responsibly with persons from different cultures.

I. A goal of this course is to increase students’ knowledge of concepts central to intercultural communication and knowledge of specific cultural practices.

A. Students gain knowledge of concepts central to intercultural communication theory, including the nature of culture, the influence of power and unearned privilege, and Hofstede-type categories of cultural patterns.

B. Students learn to analyze and understand cultural and to gain self knowledge regarding cultural beliefs, values and norms.

II. A goal of this course is to develop students’ motivation to understand and respect diverse cultural practices.

A. Students learn to prioritize understanding of and respect for (rather than judgment of) diverse cultural beliefs, values, and norms.

B. Students learn to distinguish between description, interpretation, and evaluation in their personal responses to cultural practices.

C. Students are encouraged to develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills (demonstrating cognitive complexity and the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives).

III. A goal of this course is to increase students’ knowledge of concepts central to intercultural communication and knowledge of specific cultural practices.

A. Students learn guidelines for productive communication across diverse cultures.

B. Students practice engaging in productive discussion with diverse others.

Student Learning Outcomes
Accurately interpret intercultural communication concepts relative to their personal and professional experiences within a globalized society.

Recognize how multiple worldviews, experiences, and power structures affect the beliefs, norms, and values across cultures.

Articulate the role of communication in negotiating our identities within a global context.

Explain the role their own communication plays in perpetuating or addressing various ethical, social, and environmental challenges.

Evaluate how conflicting cultural perspectives create barriers to effective intercultural communication.

Recognize the role communication plays in the creation and perpetuation of structural, systemic, and institutional oppression.