1. Intercultural Communication
(SCM499/599)
Dr. Charles H. Tardy Phone: 601-266-4278
The University of Southern Mississippi Fax: 601-266-4275
118 College Drive #5131 E-mail: charles.tardy@usm.edu
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 http: //ocean.st.usm.edu/~w306945
The Course
This course explores the impact of culture on human
communication by examining the patterns of verbal
and nonverbal communication that are exhibited by
social, cultural, and ethnic groups of Great Britain.
Course objectives include: 1) increasing students’
awareness of communication practices, norms, and
rituals evident in London and Great Britain; and,
2)enhancing students’ understanding of key concepts
and theories pertinent to intercultural communication.
I select, coordinate, and integrate all topics, speakers,
assignments, and activities. British faculty lecture,
assign some readings, and direct out-of-class
activities. Students will spend more time on field Assignments
trips and other out-of-class activities than sitting in
classrooms. Plans include two walking tours, Journal (30%). Students must write an account (250
attending a session of the House of Commons, words) of the speaker/activity/reading for each major
observing social interaction in markets and parks, unit of the course. These will be turned in weekly.
viewing a criminal trial at the Old Bailey, watching
an improvisational performance at the Comedy Store, Exam (20%). A final essay exam will assess student
and a trip or two outside of London. understanding of assigned readings, lectures, and
topics covered in class.
Details, including photos, reading lists, and
descriptions of daily schedules, from previous classes Paper (50%). A 10-20 page paper based on research
can be found at the course web site: http: conducted in London will be due September 6.
ocean.st.usm.edu/~w3006945.
Attendance. Students are required to attend all class
meetings
Graduate Credit
Graduate students have additional readings and are
required to engage in additional meetings with the
instructor each week to plan and conduct a cross-
cultural research project. All assignments are
adapted for the student’s educational background.

2. Tentative Course Schedule
This is for illustrative purposes only. Specific topics, activities, and dates are subject to change. Accompanying
reading assignments used in past years may be found at the course website: http: ocean.st.usm.edu/~w3006945.
July
6 Depart USA 23 Field trip to English-Speaking Union
7 Arrive London; first class meeting 24 Field trip
8 Program orientation 25 Field trip
26 Free
9 Social Psychology of Language: pm London Alive 27 Free
10 Language, field work; pm London Alive 28 Free
11 Language, conclusion; pm London Alive 29 Free
12 Field trip to House of Commons
13 Free 30 Free
14 Free (Optional trip to Cantebury/Dover) 31 Communication in the Courtroom (Old Bailey)
15 Free (Optional trip to Sailsbury/Stonehenge) August
1 Intergenerational Communication:
16 Social Interaction in Public Spaces: 2 Communication in Ancient Civilizations (British Museum)
17 Detecting Deception: 3 Classroom session; Student conferences, pm.
18 Humor; lecture; Comedy Store; 4 Examination day; pm free
19 humor field observations 5 Depart London for USA
20 Free
21 Free
22 Depart London for Edinburgh
If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires
accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on
appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric,
physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a
medical condition/disability qualifies.
Address:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Office for Disability Accommodations
118 College Drive # 8586
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Voice Telephone: (601) 266-5024 or (228) 214-3232 Fax: (601) 266-6035
Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay
Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or email Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.