Cross-cultural Communication

Syllabus

Course code: PT512

Course instructor: Duane H.Elmer, PhD

                                  Muriel Elmer, PhD

 

Course Description

There are sound theological reasons for committing ourselves to understand other cultures and appreciate them. To learn of them and from them with an open mind is to discover how God reveals something of himself through their distinct world and life view.

This course is designed to help you see that cross-cultural relationships take place in the realities of everyday life. It will give you some insights and principles to prepare for cross-cultural ministry at home or abroad.

 

Course Objectives 

• to provide practical guidelines which will help to live more harmoniously with cultural differences;

• to show the importance of cross-cultural adjustment in order to represent Christ well;

• to provide insights on different ways people of various cultures handle conflict;

• to teach how to communicate without negative assessments;

• to explain the process of becoming a servant.

   

Course Requirements

• Each student will watch lectures assigned to each week  and take quizzes.

• Each student  will write responses to the questions (three essays)  and write comments on the discussion themes (interactive forum). 

• Each student will read the books written by D.H. Elmer : Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility (INTER-VARSITY PRESS / 2006 ); Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry (INTER-VARSITY PRESS / 1994 ); Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out & Fitting In Around the World (INTER-VARSITY PRESS / 2002) 

• Each student will write a paper Bridging the cultural gap between heaven and earth.

 

Course Outline 

Introduction. The Monkey "Serves" the Fish" 

Lecture 1. Cross-cultural communication

1.1. Fitting into Another Culture.

1.2. The Cultural Adjustment Map.  

1.3. Effective cross-cultural worker.

1.4. Communication model.

1.5. Negative attribution theory.

1.6. The Test. 

Lecture 2. Cultural differences

2.1. Introduction.

2.2.  Western vs Majority World. Part I

2.3. Western vs Majority World. Part II 

Lecture3. Conflict management

3.1. Introduction.

3.2. Observation and assumption regarding conflict.

3.3. Western approach to handling the conflict situation.

3.4. Passive-aggressive behaviour.

3.5. Indirect approach to conflict resolution.  

3.6. The need for forgiveness.

3.7. Communication principles for conflict resolution. 

Lecture 4. Pilgrimage to Servanthood

4.1. Openness.

4.2. Acceptance.

4.3. Trust.

4.4.Learning.

4.5. Understanding and Serving.

 

Course Assessment 

The books reading and review               20 %

The paper                                               20 %

Essays                                                    15 %

Forum discussion                                   10 %

The final exam                                        15%

Quizzes                                                   15%

Course Evaluation                                     5%