CCM749 - International Communications

Subject Title
International Communications

Subject Description
Corporate communication, driven by globalization and technology, requires that practitioners understand communication as an international practice. Best practices demand practitioners have both a refined international vision for corporate communication, and an understanding of the practical factors that affect communication practice in other parts of the world. As well as understanding the factors critical to success in international communication, practitioners must have mastery of the tactical tools that equip them to successfully plan and execute corporate communication initiatives that incorporate these global factors.

At the same time, practitioners must understand the significance of culture in ensuring successful international communication. Culture defines how "publics" in every corner of the world, including our own, understand and respond to communication initiatives; what works in Canada will not work in Cameroon or Chile. Knowing how to research and understand the fundamental cultures of others enables communication practitioners to create optimal communication plans, to craft effective messages and then to deliver them to maximum impact. Failure to address cultural differences almost guarantees failure in communication.

International communication happens in Canada as well. As more non-Canadian multinational companies do business in Canada, the need and opportunity grows for Canadian practitioners to support initiatives by multinational corporations to be effective corporate communicators in Canada.

Com 750 explores the "globalized" nature of 21st century business and the "glocalized" (global + local) nature of 21st century corporate communication. It examines the practical factors that determine strategic approaches to communication - factors such as language/literacy, technological infrastructure, and different ethical frameworks. It examines the significance of culture and provides learners with approaches and practice in researching culture around the world. It will equip students with competence and confidence in responding to international communication challenges and opportunities, whether they work as consultants or in corporate or agency environments.

Credit Status
Two CCM credits.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. understand the global nature of transnational, multinational and supra-national corporations,
2. understand the "glocalized" demands of international corporate communication,
3. understand the most significant practical factors affecting international communication practice,
4. know how to create successful communication frameworks in response to these practical factors,
5. understand how culture affects global corporate communication
6. understand the ethical issues facing international corporate communication practitioners

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.