Globalisation and Culture

Course Overview

Course: ACOM 465 Intercultural Communication

Course: ACOM465: Communicating on the Internet

Class Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday, 5:45 PM - 7:05 PM, SS 116

Office: SS 386, Hours announced in class

Contact: Phone: 442-2604 |

Course Description: This course examines cultural changes influenced by technology, focusing on how Western society impacts global cultures. Topics include music, money exchange, food, gender, beliefs, communication, and sports, with an emphasis on technological change's positive and negative effects. Students will explore these issues through videos, internet resources, and journal readings to develop informed perspectives on globalisation.

Course Objectives:

Understand cultural issues in contemporary society.
Encourage active participation in cultural debates.
Develop skills to evaluate globalisation from multiple perspectives.

Cover Photo: Segregation at McDonalds, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 2000.

Syllabus

Course Structure

Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory. Two percent will be deducted from the final grade for each unexcused absence. Excused absences require:

Illness: Verified by a doctor’s note.
Emergency: Verified by the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

Grading Scale:

Grade	Range
A	93-100
A-	90-92
B+	87-89
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79
C	73-76
C-	70-72
D+	67-69
D	63-66
D-	60-62

Assessments

1. Weekly Readings (30%): Due each Thursday, 3 points per week for 10 weeks. Involves answering questions based on readings or viewings.

2. Weekly Discussion (18%): Due each Friday by 5 PM. Contribute to the online discussion board with one post and one response (2 points per week).

3. Journal (32%): Due Tuesday, October 15 (Part 1, 16%) and Tuesday, November 19 (Part 2, 16%). Weekly entries on globalisation-related current events, 200 words each.

4. Group Presentation (20%): Due Thursday, November 21 and December 5. Cluster groups of ~5 students present on globalisation topics.

Weekly Topics

Week 1: Introduction

No readings. Overview of course expectations and discussion on globalisation definitions.

Assignment: Answer questions on globalisation and personal global identity.

Week 2: Culture and Multiculturalism

Readings:

Journal: Find a media article on globalisation from September 3-10.

Discussion: What communities do you belong to? Explore multiculturalism.

Week 3: Globalisation

Readings:

Journal: Article from a foreign news source addressing globalisation.

Discussion Board: Discuss an action influenced by globalisation.

Week 4: Individuals, Groups, and Corporations

Readings:

Journal: Two articles from your group’s country on U.S. interactions (one positive, one negative).

Discussion Board: Discuss a marketed individual and their influence.

Week 5: The Media, History of Writing

Readings:

Biological Footprint
Public Administration - Marie-Franise Bechtel
Compare news stories from BBC, Rense, CNN, David Icke, Al Jazeera

Journal: Log a chatroom conversation discussing globalisation.

Discussion Board: Discuss media devices used to interact with other cultures.

Week 6: Gender and Globalisation

Readings:

The Impact of Globalisation on Human Rights - Roseline Nyman
The Effects of WTO on Women's Rights - Vandana Shiva
Dale Spender on Women and Computers

Journal: No entry due; format Part 1 for submission.

Discussion Board: Discuss the internet’s impact on women.

Week 7: World Music

Readings:

Phonograph Turntable - Miles White
World Music and Punk - Amardeep Singh
Search for an article on music industry and globalization

Journal: Debate on world music or music piracy.

Discussion Board: Discuss favorite music’s cultural roots.

Week 8: World Sports and Foods

Readings:

Journal: Articles on globalisation and food/sports from your group’s country.

Discussion Board: Discuss genetically modified foods.

Week 9: The Internet and Cyber Identities

Readings:

Journal: Analyze a CyberAnthropology article for cultural perspectives.

Discussion Board: Discuss internet regulation and censorship.

Week 10: Television and Movies

Readings:

Journal: Review a movie/sitcom from your group’s country.

Discussion Board: Discuss portrayals of cultures in American media.

Week 11: The Virtual University and Digital Resistance

Readings:

Discussion Board: Discuss educational systems across cultures.

Week 12: Beliefs

Discussion Board: Discuss religious and cultural movements (e.g., Hip-Hop, graffiti).

Group Presentations: Begin presentations.

Week 13: No Class (Thanksgiving)

Week 14: Course Review

Group Presentations: Continue presentations.

Assignments

Journal Guidelines:

Word-processed, 1.5 spacing, 12-point font (e.g., Times Roman).
Include name in header, proper citations, and a cover sheet.
Submit by deadlines: Part 1 (October 15), Part 2 (November 19).

Group Presentation Guidelines:

Groups of ~5 students, formed in Week 1.
Presentations on November 21 and December 5.
Peer-assessed (25%) and instructor-assessed (75%).

Assignment Cover Sheet:

A COM 378T 1326
Globalisation and Culture
Fall 2002

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

Student name: _______________________________

Journal Assignment (Part 1 or 2): _______

Due Date: / /02
Date of submission: / /02

DISCLAIMER
I declare the following to be my own work, unless otherwise referenced

Signed: _______________________________

Referencing Guide

Electronic Sources (MLA Style)

Cite electronic sources with author, title, publication date, access date, and URL. Example:

Christian, David. "Silk Roads or Steppe Roads? The Silk Roads in World History."
Journal of World History 11.1 (2000): 1-26. 19 June 2000

Print Sources (Chicago Manual of Style)

Example for a book:

Bibliography