LANG 2020: Constructing Cross-Cultural Bridges (3 credit hours)
 

This is a UNIFI: Human Condition Global category course. It can count as a general education UNIFI elective credit under the category of Connect. For students in the Liberal Arts Core, the course can also fulfill the capstone requirement. If interested in French credit for participation in the program, contact the course leader, Dr. Elizabeth Zwanziger. 

Through a variety of fields such as anthropology, communications, and linguistics, this hands-on course examines the link of culture and communication and the importance of intercultural understanding in effective global interaction by studying a specific culture and experiencing it firsthand. By looking at a variety of specific cultural patterns, this examination begins with an exploration of how culture shapes and modifies an individual’s view of reality and shapes perception. Elements of culture such as history, religion, values, social organization and language all work together to this end. Participants in the course will also put the theory of intercultural communication into practice by exploring the differences between verbal and nonverbal message and how those differences can impact the intercultural encounter.

Participation in this program requires several class meetings throughout the spring semester and one meeting at the beginning of the fall semester. The course is scheduled for the summer.  If you are a summer graduate, you must notify the course leader in order for coursework completion and grading to be adjusted for your graduation. Not doing so could result in delayed graduation, since final grades are assigned in the fall for this program. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on coursework requirements. 

The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in their study abroad course. 

NOTES:

• Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
• Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.