LIBR 281-06
LIBR 281-15
Seminar in Contemporary Issues
Topic: Intercultural Communication
Fall 2012 Course Information
Debra Buenting
E-mail
Course Description
Throughout most of history, people around the globe lived in small communities with little exposure to other cultures. While there were always trade routes and diverse cities, most people lived in isolated rural areas far from others who were different from them.
Today we live in increasingly pluralistic communities. Whether you plan to design websites, instruct K-12 students, provide reference services in an academic or special library, develop library programs for children and adults, or lead an information center, you will likely find yourself needing to communicate with those with completely different perspectives, values, religions, cultural references, gestures and symbols. Meaning, context and intent are often lost, sometimes with devastating consequences.
LIBR 281: Intercultural Communication will help you identify and solve cultural differences so essential for navigating a flat world. This course is designed to give students very practical tools to understand the worldview and experiences of others, helping you become a more competent professional, no matter what your career goals.
Learn about the differences between individual and collective cultures, why saving face can be more important than being right, how power is distributed differently between groups, and how various people rely on certain values for avoiding or dealing with conflict. Students will interact as they watch films and video clips, read foundational articles, examine timely examples straight from news headlines, and learn from field pioneers.
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