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Course Requirements

COMM 380

I. Participation

A high level of involvement by all members of the class is necessary for the course to be successful. Evaluation of participation will be based on:

                A. demonstrating you have read the assigned readings,

                B. how often you participate in class discussions,

                C. how actively you participate in exercises and simulations in class,

                D. quality of information and understanding shared in class discussions

II. Attendance:

 

    Evansville Campus:

 

            More than four absences will result in the lowering of your participation grade by at least one letter grade, and possibly more               depending upon the extent of absences. Note that absences for required university-sponsored events such as field trips or athletic      competitions do not count toward absences.

 

    Harlaxton Attendance Policy:

 

        In courses which meet three times per week students are allowed a maximum of three unexcused absences during the course of the semester which incur no grade penalty. Additional unexcused absences will attract a grade penalty, namely the lowering of the student's final grade for each absence in excess of the permitted quota. In exceptional circumstances, students may be granted an excused, or justified, absence. Such absences, however, must receive the prior approval of the Principal or Dean of students, who will confirm the absence in writing to the faculty member concerned. More commonly, students may also receive an excused absence if, in the opinion of the College nurse, they are too ill or otherwise incapacitated to attend class. In such cases, faculty will receive a signed certificate from the nurse within 24 hours of the missed class. In the case of a student who is, without good reason, more than ten minutes late arriving for class, the faculty member may deem the offender inexcusably absent for that class period.

III. Examinations:

There will be four regular examinations during the semester, each covering approximately one-fifth of the reading material. The fifth and final exam will be comprehensive, covering the entire course and both texts. Examinations will be objective in nature (true-false, multiple choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank).

IV. Cultural Analysis Paper (topic must be approved on CAP Form)

    The Paper:

Each student will write a paper using library sources to examine selected elements (past or present) of a culture or subculture other than their own. Pick a specific topic related in some way to intercultural communication.  For example, you could examine the view of time for a particular culture, nonverbal patterns of space relations in a certain country or culture (including the United States), elements of racial communication, media stereotypes of a particular group or culture, prison culture, how a new innovation becomes accepted in a particular country, how women are treated in a certain culture, or whatever interests you.

 

The topic must be approved in advance by completing sufficient preliminary research on the subject to be sure there is enough information available and then submitting a copy of the Cultural Analysis Paper Form no later than the deadline noted in the class calendar (i.e., forms can be turned in earlier than the deadline). Once a topic is approved you may not change it, so be sure you have done thorough research before you submit you form.  On the CAP Form please use complete bibliographic citations using APA stylesheet format to demonstrate that you have done substantial preliminary research on your topic and that there are sufficient sources available to complete your proposed paper. On the form you will also be asked to propose a due date for your paper. For class continuity, propose a due date when the class readings cover concepts that are closely related to your selected topic. In some cases Dr. T may need to change your requested due date so it fits better with class content. Your form will be returned with approval noted or with suggestions for changes in topic or due date. If not approved, you must resubmit the form until approval is granted. On the due date of your paper you will give a paper presentation to the class. First come first served, on topics and due dates, so get started early on your research. Special Note: both a paper copy and an electronic copy (TurnItIn.com) of your Cultural Analysis Paper must be submitted by the approved due date.

    Paper Evaluation:

Use APA stylesheet format for laying out bibliography, footnotes, etc. Be creative in your choice of topics! Paper is due on date indicated in the class calendar on this website. The Cultural Analysis Paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  1. Was the information thoroughly and accurately covered in the paper?
  2. Were concepts and materials studied in class and/or course texts integrated?
  3. Was there a concluding "Personal Reaction" section which discussed personal Insights and observations about your own culture that were learned?
  4. Correct and consistent use of APA stylesheet format for citations on sources of quoted or paraphrased material and bibliography?                                                     
  5. Correct use of grammar, spelling, word usage, etc.?
  6. Typed paper of at least 10 pages, double spaced? (At least 8 research pages and 2 personal reaction pages.)                        
  7. 12 font--not large spacing or font games?

V. In-class Presentation:

            Each student is required to share the major content of their cultural analysis paper in the form of a formal presentation.  The presentation must be at least 15 minutes in length, but you may have more time if it is requested in advance.  The requested date of your presentation must be indicated on your Cultural Analysis Paper Form along with how much time you will need.  The presentation, the hard copy of the paper, and the electronic version on Turnitin.com will all be due on the date selected.  Please select a date that relates your topic to the subject matter from the text that we will be covering at that time.  It may be necessary to change your requested date based on other activities planned for the class or if another date appears to be more appropriate for your selected topic.