Maricopa Community Colleges  GCU169   19886-19956 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 10/24/95
GCU169 19886-19956 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Global Awareness: Western Cultures
Explores the origins, diffusion, similarities/differences and communication styles of three of the six major cultures of the world: Black, Hispanic and Anglo-Germanic. Emphasis on geographic characteristics, cultural patterns, cultural perceptions and cross-cultural communication. Prerequisites: None.
Cross-References: COM169
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
GCU169   19886-19956 Global Awareness: Western Cultures
1. Locate and identify the geographic and cultural characteristics of three of the major culture regions of the world. (I)
2. Assess the importance of place in development of culture hearths and the role of the environment in the diffusion of a culture from its hearth. (II)
3. Describe and evaluate the pre- and post colonial influences that have shaped a particular culture group. (II)
4. Describe the similarities and differences between the three major cultures and how verbal and nonverbal communication styles influence the way a culture group perceives the world and reacts to other cultures. (III)
5. Describe the various verbal and nonverbal communication channels that link people at all levels. (III)
6. Assess one's own cultural awareness; recognize the role of the media in shaping one's cultural perceptions, and how to deal with learned stereotypes and prejudices. (III)
7. Describe the historical and contemporary contributions of the major culture groups to the global community. (III)
8. Describe and evaluate the contemporary issues associated with a globaleconomy resulting from international trade, economic interdependence, resource distribution, and technology transfer and how these relate tothe breakdown of traditional cultural patterns. (IV)
9. Evaluate issues that lead to conflict and possible approaches to resolving these issues through conflict resolution at all levels. (IV)
10. Describe the nature of culture shock and problems of cultural assimilation or adjustment as these impact an American traveling abroad or a foreign national in the United States. (V)
11. Evaluate the barriers to successful communication between cultures andhow to develop skills and strategies for interacting with people from other cultures. (V, VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
GCU169   19886-19956 Global Awareness: Western Cultures
    I. Overview of African, Hispanic and Anglo-Germanic Cultures
        A. Geographic characteristics
          1. Location concepts
          2. Geographic assets and liabilities
          3. Importance to the world community
        B. Cultural characteristics
          1. Criteria used to identify the dominant culture group
          2. Characteristics of minor culture groups within the region
      II. Historical Perspective
          A. Pre-colonial patterns
            1. Development of the culture hearth
          B. Colonial influences and settlement patterns
            1. Colonization by outside cultures
            2. Impacts of colonization on indigenous cultures
        III. Cross-Cultural Awareness
            A. Perceptual viewpoints
              1. What impacts the perceptual process
              2. Beliefs, values, attitudes and patterns of thought and their impact on communication styles
              3. How a particular culture group views the world and nature
              4. How a particular culture group view the self and the individual
              5. How culture groups view each other
              6. Impact of media on perceptions
              7. Humor and perception of humor
            B. Language groups and oral traditions
              1. Languages of indigenous groups
              2. Languages superimposed by colonial nations
              3. Unique characteristics of language (forms of address, jargon, greetings, courtesies, etc.)
            C. Verbal and nonverbal communication channels
              1. Interactions between persons/groups: within a tribe; between tribes, ethnic groups, tourists etc.
              2. Government to people: propaganda, information services, technical assistance programs, etc.
              3. Government to government: bilateral and multilateral
              4. Business to business: foreign investment, management problems, expoitation and negotiations
              5. Cross-cultural perceptions of communication styles
              6. Development and impact of modern media: journalism, broadcasting ( local and international), advertising, etc.
            D. Cultural contributions of the region through:
              1. Art
              2. Music
              3. Philosophy
              4. Literature
          IV. Contemporary Issues
              A. Post-colonial patterns
                1. Pros an cons of the colonial legacy
                2. Rising nationalism
              B. Population dynamics and impacts
                1. Factors of growth or decline
                2. Population structure: assets and liabilities
              C. Political/economic development
                1. Political/economic systems
                2. Self-sufficiency vs. dependency
                3. Human rights
                4. Quality of life
              D. Rising expections
                1. Resource distribution
                2. North/south, south/south dialogue - haves vs. have-nots
                3. Transfer of wealth/technology/international trade
            V. Surviving Cross-Cultural Contact
                A. How to deal with culture shock
                B. How to avoid being an "ugly American" at home or abroad
                C. How to diagnose difficulties in cross-cultural communication and managing them.
                D. Overcoming barriers to cross-cultural communication
              VI. Exploration of Necessary Skills
                  A. Observation skills and personalizing perceptions
                  B. Nonjudgement: listening and observing without evaluation
                  C. Tolerance of ambiguity
                  D. Communicating respect, reciprocal concern, and empathy to others in interactions
                  E. Own style of communication and cultural self-awareness
                  F. Using and adapting styles of communication
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