School of International Studies

Core Courses

Concepts of Intercultural Relations (3 semester units)

Instructors:

Milton Bennett, Ph.D.
International Consultant, Co-Director of ICI

Francisca Trujillo-Dalbey, Ph.D.
Consultant, Trainer, and Cross-Cultural Mediator

Course Description:

This course will review the major concepts, theories, and models that contribute to a general process description of communication across cultures, and it will consider how culture pattern communication. This work is intended to provide a vocabulary and framework for analysis and discussion throughout the program. Important topics in this course include: the dynamics of face-to-face interaction, conflict styles across cultures, societal influences on ethnocentrism and nonverbal dimensions of communication, language interaction, stereotypes, relationship development, and intercultural adaptation.

Course Objectives:

• Understand what it means that “perception influences the attribution of meaning” well enough to use this principle in analyzing intercultural miscommunication;
• Develop a clearer sense of how culture values are learned and how they are communicated through behavior; and
• Comprehend the ethical implications that arise from the principle that communication (both within and across cultures) is an interactive, learned process.

Ethnicity and Intergroup Relations (3 semester units)

Instructors:

Barbara F. Schaetti
Principal, Transition Dynamics and Senior Associate, The Crestone Institute

Valerie White, M.A.
Ombudsman, Lewis and Clark College

Havva Houshmand, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emerita, TVICC, Albuquerque

Course Description:

Assuming an intercultural communication perspective on ethnic relations, this course will examine group theory with particular emphasis on dynamics common in domestic multicultural contexts. Topic includes an examination of research on ethnic identity development, cross-cultural psychology, prejudice and stereotyping, and interaction patterns specific to particular ethnic groups. Participants will review models for multicultural group behavior and learn approaches to facilitation which are applicable in both small groups and organizations.

Course Objectives:

• Internalize an understanding of how developmental, interactive, and sociocultural forces combine to influence an individual’s ethic identity;
• Examine current perspectives on the construction and maintenance of ethnocentrism, stereotypes and prejudice, and of uncertainty and anxiety, and how these influence intergroup dynamics;
• Analyze and articulate possible sources of intercultural conflict which arise from combinations of ethic identity issues, stereotyping, and prejudice and intergroup interactions; and
• Develop the ability to apply these theories to the creation of useful interactive strategies ameliorating intergroup conflict.

Research I: Ways of Knowing (2 semester units) 

Instructors:

Muneo Yoshikawa, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaii System

Michael Osmera, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor, Linfield College

Course Description:

In intercultural relations, practitioners face a crucial question: How do I know what is real? This is the central issue in what is called “onology,” and intercultural researchers must be familiar with alternatives to the positivist research tradition in arriving at answers to the question. This course will explore, through a phenomenological perspective, cultural differences in the search for meanings. Symbolic interactionism and ethnomethodology provide a foundation for exploring non-western ways of insight about human experience, via the paradigms of Consciousness. Connectedness, and Transcendence. Non-writing channels for expression of learning will often be examined.  

Course Objectives:

• Explore different ontological systems and associated research strategies-both as a way to expand skills and to increase awareness of the issues which underline learning across cultures. 
• Increase sensitivity to information which is nonverbally shown and develop skills (e.g., empathy and critical analysis) useful for interpreting intercultural communication at this level.
• Expand experience with the range of forms that which can be used to tell information, and practice using them with an awareness of what they might show about the underlying ontology; and
• Recognize the relation between knowledge and uncertainty, in order to develop great comfort with uncertainty.

Advanced Intercultural Communication Theory (3 semester units)

Instructors:

Judith Martin, Ph.D.
Professor, Arizona State University

Kathleen Wong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Western Michigan University

Course Description:

This course examines social science theories that have been influential in the development of intercultural communication concept, with an emphasis on the contributions of constructivism. It provides an overview of major paradigms in scientific thought that are mirrored in social cultural communication fits into the scheme. We will review classic sources in the field of intercultural communication and examine current writing that pertains to the future of the field. We will specifically explore the body of theory that underlies the planning of programs and conducting of communication research-interpersonal, small group, and intercultural. We will also generally consider ethical questions that arise in intercultural encounters, in teaching and training, and in the conduct of research, especially across cultures.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the historical and theoretical forces that characterize and discipline called Intercultural Communication, and how it fits into the general field of social science;
• Develop the ability to summarize and reflect on the primary metatheoretical issues which currently engage the discipline;
• Develop the ability to analyze critically a range of scholarship for how well its theory is integrated with practice, validity, and ethics; and
• Experience explaining and defending one’s own preferences and practices in intercultural theory.

Research II (3 semester units)

Instructors:

Bruce LaBrack, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, University of the Pacific

Kent Warren, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Programs, ICI

Course Description:

In this course, both quantitative and qualitative research tools will be examined for their usefulness in the intercultural context. Exercises and readings will consider surveying, sampling, content analysis, depth interviewing, participant observation, personal document analysis, and unobtrusive methods, with equal attention paid to the disadvantages and advantages of each. Students will experience using a range of methods and designing research plans which address issues of bias and ethics as well as matching research strategies to the research question.

Course Objectives:

• Become familiar with a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research strategies and develop the ability to (1) assess their usefulness for specific intercultural contexts, and (2) evaluate their ethical implications in the field;
• Apply this knowledge and assessment ability to a small research project which demonstrates the ability to:

1.  State useful research questions
2.  Select and gain access to appropriate sample population(s)
3.  Develop experiments, interview strategies, or other techniques to obtain valid data which address the questions
4.  Analyze and report results, and reflect on the value of this process for intercultural work in general.

The Process of Change (2 semester units)

Instructors:

Phyllis Thompson, Ph.D.
Writer and Teacher

LaRay Barna, M.S.
Professor Emerita, Portland State University

Course Description:

In the process of individual identity development, culture plays a primary role. This course will systematically examine theories of ethnic identity development, the impact of cultural transitions on individuals and group, and the characteristics of cultural marginality. Special topics include: The importance of acknowledging loss as an element of transition, integrating models of transition, a consideration of how adaption and acculturation work, and culture shock as a development process.

Course Objectives:

• Expand awareness of current theories regarding (1) how loss informs all change, (2) how subcultural identity can develop, and (3) how the experience called “culture shock” might be explained;
• Integrate these theories to understand the dynamics of a range of intercultural situations and material, in order to identify possible resolutions and improvements when problems arise; and
• Practice using these theories to expand awareness of both the positive and negative potential of profound cross-cultural experiences, and of way to improve the chance of constructive outcomes. 

Leadership and Adult Learning (3 semester units)

Instructor:

Elizabeth Kirkhart, Ph.D.
Therapist; partner in consulting firm, Moving Boundaries

Course Description:

This course provides an opportunity for learners to explore theories for leadership and adult learning in different cultures and contexts. First leadership theories are examined including Jean Lipman-Blumen’s leadership in an interdependent world; James Joseph’s leadership styles within/across cultures;

Belenky, Bond, and Weinstock’s domestic and global community leadership; and Edward Said’s intellectual leadership. Second, the course explores theories and practices of adult learning for personal understanding and for designing and teaching in different cultures.

Course Objectives:

• Explore the capacities of effective leadership that are needed to successfully exercise the leadership role in different cultures and contexts.
• Emphasis will be placed on understanding effective leadership both within cultures of origins and across cultures.
• Examine concepts of “connective leadership” and the “connected organization” and their implications for leading in an interdependent, intercultural world.
• Examine the effective leader across cultures by considering roles such as director, coach, facilitator, creative eccentric, motivator, visionary, risk-taker, orator.
• Understand different adult learning theories in order to analyze how your own style affects your learning.
• Develop your ability to design learning experiences and to teach others in different cultures and contexts using an understanding of adult learning theory.

Change-Agentry (3 semester units)

Instructors:

Janet Bennet, Ph.D.
Executive Director, ICI and Director, MAIR

Nagesh Rao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Ohio University

Steven Dowd, M.A.
Director of Finances, ICI

Course Description:

Managing the transition process for people and human systems in an intercultural context requires expertise in planned change innovation theory, and systems diagnosis and intervention. This course will review the nature of change in communities and cultures with special attention to social action research and organization development. It will also involve students in both critiquing and designing programs for planned change.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the major factors likely to influence attempts at planned change, including those outside the change-agent’s control;
• Indentify perspectives on change from many fields, including psychology, communication, the humanities, and management;
• Synthesize research and theory on change for use across cultures; and
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze what makes an intentional-change project successful.  

Culture in the Organizational Context (2 semester units)

Instructors:

George Renwick, Ph.D.
International Consultant, Renwick and Associates

Joyce Osland, Ph.D.
Professor, San Jose State University

Larry Kirkhart, Ph.D.
Partner in consulting firm, Moving Boundaries

Course Description:

The impact of culture in the organization occurs at multiple levels. Employees as well as clients may come from a variety of domestic or international cultures to participate in an organizational culture which in itself requires adaptation. The interplay of cultural patterns affects management and leadership styles, decision making, negotiation, conflict mediation, and teambuilding. This course provides an overview modern organizational theory in order to extract principles and methods that are relevant to this multicultural context.

Course Objectives:

• Understand major theories and modern practices of organization development;
• Critically considers contemporary OD practices in light of systems theory and intercultural perspectives;
• Recognize the impact of cultural communication concepts (like perception, diversity, leadership, negotiation, and attitude) on domestic and international organizations today;
• Develop a personal perspective on the relationship between culture and organizations at several levels and
• Demonstrate the ability to use intercultural competence to design practical, ethical action within an organization context.