This course deals with the process of communication in different cultural contexts.  Insights from communications theory are applied to the broader field of human relations.  The basic question we seek to answer is:  “How do human beings communicate with each other when their social and cultural backgrounds are different?” 

The first step in this process is to recognize that communication is both simple and complex.  It is simple in the sense that people communicate with fellow culture members using language and symbols that seem, at least on the surface, to be clearly understood by the majority of culture members.  It is complex because people sometimes are not successful in communicating what they intended. 

The communicational process is more than words.  It is gestures (verbal and non-verbal) and symbols (material and non-material) arising from preconceived ideas and beliefs.  These deeper understandings are not only theoretical.  They are intensely personal and practical.  Cross-cultural communication includes human interaction. 

Our cross-cultural setting is especially helpful for achieving the goals of this course.  It provides the unique opportunity of applying theoretical models of communication to an actual cross-cultural environment in numerous and varied cultural opportunities.  Homestays, community living, adventure activities, and language learning will assist in the practice of cross-cultural learning.  Interaction with local people and frequent involvement in rich cultural activities will motivate students to maximize their communication skills, language development, and their understanding of and appreciation for the host society.

Course Themes: 

·  Theoretical models of communications

·  Increasing fluency in the Spanish language (for EVM only)

·  Increasing understanding of and appreciation for the host culture

·  Self-Assessment of intercultural abilities and limitations

·  Relationship development with local people and missionaries

·  The history of the local society, as a community and as a whole

Course Goals:  By the end of the course each student will:

1. Establish and develop living friendships with local families.
2. Begin to acculturate with food, drink, and other routine activities; begin to understand their importance and the cultural conventions that underlie such activities in daily life.
3. Improve mastery of the Spanish language by learning basics that are relevant to the daily needs of family and town life. (only in EVM)
4. Assess objectively the cultural differences and difficulties encountered.
5. Detect personal areas in life that are non-essential and culture-specific.
6. Discuss in an informed manner cultural themes explored during the semester, including family life, homes, meals, gender-related roles, education, courtship, marriage, family, religion, work and occupations, and recreational opportunities.
7. Begin to establish a personal strategy for dealing with cultural collisions.
8. Reflect critically upon experiences.