Com 263 Intercultural Communication 

NOTE:   the information on this page refers to the online course only - If you are taking this course on campus please go directly to the Syllabus for the on-campus course.  (The syllabus for the online course is linked below.)

What is the textbook for this course? You may use either of the following books.

Com 263: Intercultural Competence: Communication Across Cultures Peason Custom Library

ISBN-10: 1-256-03540-8 ISBN-13: 978-1-256-03540-4

Intercultural Competence- Interpersonal Communication Across Cultures, 6th edition by Myron W. Lustig & Jolene Koester

ISBN-10: 0205595758 ISBN-13: 9780205595754

Where can I purchase the textbook?

You may purchase or rent the book on campus at the MCC bookstore or you can purchase it online at the following site: MCC Online Bookstore

What hardware/software will I need

computer modem internet service provider web browser

Do I need to be proficient on the computer?

You should be able to do the following on your computer: browse the web using MS Explorer or Netscape send and receive email participate in a web-based discussion board

What if I do not know how to do any of the above?

You should complete the tutorials on this page. It will explain all of the technical processes you should know.

Can I use my current e-mail address (the one provided by my ISP)?

Your can use your personal e-mail for corresponding with the  insturctor but  you will need to check your Maricopa email regularly for updates from the instructor.  This is important because all records, access information, etc. is accomplished through the MCCCD student server.

How do I access the online course materials? When you have enrolled in the course and the course has been made live (during the week before classes start) you will be able to access the course materials via MyMCC.  You will be asked to log in which you can do using the same username and password that was given to you with your MEID email account.  Once you have entered the MCC Portal you will be able to select your online communication course.  From there you will be able to link to the course materials.    NOTE:  This link will not be active until the beginning of the semester when the course is made "live". What do I do first? You will see an "Orientation" icon on the course home page.  It will be your responsibility to complete the orientation by the designated date.  Please read the information carefully and follow the directions explic     NOTE:  Any student who does not complete the Orientation by the designated deadline and who does not make arrangements with the instructor for an extension will be dropped from the course.

What is the format of the course?

It is divided into 4 Units with 2-3 modules per unit. Each module involves mastering the content in the text and applying the concepts in a Journaling Assignment. In addition, students are expected to participate weekly in  discussion of material via Discussion Boards.

What can I expect from the modules in the course?

You can expect to invest about the same amount of time in this course that you would with an on-campus course - including actual time spent in class.  It is important that you recognize the commitment that is going to be required of both yourself and your partner for the journaling assignments.   To get a better idea, you can look at the Sample Module 1 .  Although it is not an exact replica it should give you an idea of what to expect.

On what are grades based?      Orientation     5 points      Unit Quizzes (4@ 25 pts each) 100 points      Participation in class discussion   50 points      Journaling Assignments 150 points

What about the quizzes?

After each unit there will be a quiz.  It will be multiple choice  and will be taken online.

What are the  journaling assignments?

These assignments involve application of the concepts we discuss and journaling about the outcomes.  They will be spaced over the entire semester and will involve research, interaciton with an individual from another culture (of your choice) application activities and reflection on your experiences.

How will I find someone to be my partner in these activities?

You will be responsible for making that contact although I can help if you are interested in working with an MCC student who is enrolled in our ESL program.  Most students have co-workers, friends, family members, etc. with whom they can work.  It is also possible that there will be some partnering which can take place between students enrolled in this course.  The key is that you find someone who is easily accessible and who has the time to work with you.

How will we participate in class discussion?

We will have a course discussion board.  Each module will have its own board and you will be asked to post to several topics in any given module.

How do I turn in assignments?

For the most part assignments will be submitted via a form imbedded in the course web pages.

How do I know when assignments are due?

All due dates are noted on the course calendar which is linked to the course homepage.

Is there a specific time on which I should start?

Yes, there will be a calendar which will identify all assignments and their due dates.

How much time will be involved?

You can expect to spend at least as much time on this course as you would any college course.

Can I see a syllabus for the course?

This is a tentative syllabus and is subject to change as we go through the semester.

Is there something that I should be doing to prepare for the course?

You should complete the online education tutorials to verify that you are proficient in all the technology necessary for the course.

How does this course transfer?

It transfers in the same way that a traditional Com 263 Intercultural Communication course transfers.

Do I need to come to MCC's campus.

No. The entire class is conducted online.

How do I contact the instructor?

For the most part we will communicate via e-mail or telephone.  I also keep regular office hours on campus (AC 14) and welcome visits.

Will I get to know my fellow classmates?

Although you will most likely not meet face-to-face you will have weekly contact via Class Discussion.

How do I register?

Call 461-7700 or visit MCC Online for information

I have further questions.

Visit the MCC Online website or contact me at smerritt@mesacc.edu or call me at (602) 461-7537.

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