SOC270 - Interpersonal and Intercultural Communications

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-05-29 00:13:36.16
Last review date 2023-07-31 00:15:03.402

Subject Title
Interpersonal and Intercultural Communications

Subject Description
As members of a family, a peer group, a workplace, a larger society, and as global citizens, we know that what we say is often inseparable from how we say it. Good communication is essential in all realms of our lives, but the strategies required in one situation do not always work in the next. How can we become more effective communicators in an increasingly interconnected and complex world? This course begins with an understanding of the self as the basis of good communication and builds from there, examining strategies for effective listening, clearer self-expression, and conflict management in the interpersonal realm. We then expand to look at how the social constructs of race, class, gender and sexuality shape the world we live in and our understanding of it. Through reflective inquiry and dialogue, we develop a more nuanced understanding of how communication shapes our lives as individuals and as global citizens.

Co-requisite: COM 101 or equivalent.

Credit Status
One general education elective credit in the sciences and social sciences category.

Please note: Students enrolled in the ECE program cannot take SOC270 for a general education credit as it is too similar to core courses in the program.

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

Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the intrapersonal elements that contribute to effective communication with others
  2. Explain how effective listening, self-expression, and conflict management skills contribute to effective messaging in interpersonal and intercultural situations
  3. Analyze how the systemic structures of race, class, gender, and sexuality affect communication among individuals and larger groups
  4. Adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of face-to-face and online situations
  5. Explain how interpersonal and intercultural strategies strengthen their ability to communicate as global citizens
  6. Apply reflective strategies to their own interpersonal and intercultural communication skills

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

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.