Cross-Cultural Communication - Ouachita Baptist University

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Ouachita Baptist University PSCS Department of Christian Missions

MSSN 4313.0 Cross Cultural Communication MWF 01:00-01:50 BBB126

Course Objective: To equip students for life, work, and ministry in cultures other than their own. These principles provide a map to guide students in their own unique involvement in different situations requiring communication across cultural landscapes. Students will be introduced to universal principles of communication theory applicable to any cultural setting.

Course Description: The course introduces to the students a set of twenty-three propositions for intercultural communication. The principles are organized according to the following eight categories.

Fundamentals

Purpose

The Communicator

Signals

Media

Audience

Comprehension

Change In addition, students will evaluate the role of communication and culture through a seven-dimension paradigm consisting of:

World Views

Cognitive Processes

Linguistic Forms

Behavioral Patterns

Social Structures

Communication Media

Motivational Sources

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

1. Lead other students in praying for the spiritual needs of a country or culture (people group) other than their own.

2. Research and describe the world view of a people group located primarily outside the continental United States.

3. Plan an approach to cross-cultural communication based on the worldview and cognitive processes characteristic to this group.

4. Recite a simple gospel message in a language other than the student’s own.

5. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the seven dimensions of cross-cultural communication.


6. Summarize the twenty-three basic principles of cross-cultural communication outlined in the course material.

Required Textbook and Other Materials: The required texts for this course are:

Smith, Donald K., Creating Understanding: A Handbook for Christian Communication Across Cultural Landscapes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.

McIlwain, Trevor, and Nancy Everson. Firm Foundations: Creation to Christ (compact disc). Sanford, FL: New Tribes Mission, 2005.

In addition, students will need the following:

Access to a phrase book or grammar text for a modern language other than English (see course assignments below)

A binder/notebook with tabs for organizing course material

Parallel materials for this course include:

Hesselgrave, David J. Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally: An Introduction to Missionary Communication. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.

McIlwain, Trevor, and Nancy Everson. Firm Foundations: Creation to Christ (ninth printing). Sanford, FL: New Tribes Mission, 2004.

Gustafson, Eric and Larry. Portuguese. Keego Harbor, MI: Short-Term Missions Language Program Mission, 2003.

Gustafson, Eric and Larry. Russian. Keego Harbor, MI: Short-Term Missions Language Program Mission, 2003.

Gustafson, Eric and Larry. Spanish. Keego Harbor, MI: Short-Term Missions Language Program Mission, 2003.

Lanier, Sarah A. Foreign to Familiar

DuBrin, Andrew. Human Relations

Projects: Students will earn grade points in this course by completing a series of assigned projects. Unless otherwise stated, written portions of all projects must be typed according to the format described in “Guidelines for Research Papers” published by the Pruet School of Christian Studies.

Class Devotionals Each student will lead two class devotionals. After reading a passage of scripture, the student will share information on a specific country or culture in the world. He/she will then lead the class in prayer for that country and for personal requests mentioned by class members. If the person does not feel comfortable in praying out loud, they may call on someone else in the


class to pray. Students should print out brief notes for each devotional to include in the Course Organizer (See below.) Students may select the country of their choice or use the “Country of the Day” found at <www.operationworld.org>. A sign up sheet for scheduling devotionals will be provided at the beginning of the semester.

Course Organizer Students will keep a notebook for organizing course materials into three sections.

Section 1—Course Introduction Write one or two paragraph introduction to the notebook stating a description of the contents of the notebook and an explanation of how the information might be used in future ministry.

Section 2—Notes Chapter Notes: Typed, chapter-by-chapter outlines of the course textbook (Smith, Creating Understanding). Outlines for each chapter should be the equivalent of at least one full page (double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font) to receive points for that chapter (5 points per chapter). Class Notes: Notes provided verbally in class by the professor should be typed and organized in chronological order. The date of each class period should appear with a major heading at the beginning of the section containing the notes for that day. The length of these notes will vary depending upon the amount of material provided by the professor. Charts may be drawn by hand, but must be placed neatly on the same typing paper used for the rest of the notes. There are 38 class sessions in this semester. Each session’s notes will be worth

Section 3—Completed Projects This section should include printed copies of all assignments listed under “projects” (except this one).

Material in the course organizer should include a table of contents as well as labeled divider tabs. The instructor will receive and grade course organizers at several times throughout the semester. (See Course Schedule, below.) Course introduction, chapter notes, and completed projects will be due at each of these times as specified in the syllabus.

World View Document Students will construct a simple Worldview Document on a people group of their choosing:

Select a people group for which adequate sources of information are available.

Research sources of information in the campus library, local libraries, and on the internet. Strive for a balance among these sources. Do not use internet sources only. Use “Appendix: World View Questionnaire” in this syllabus to guide this research. The questions listed serve only as a guide. It is not necessary to answer every question.

Interview one or more people locally who are members of the people group or who are knowledgeable concerning this group. The OBU International Club represents a wonderful opportunity to meet students from other countries currently studying on campus.


Compile the information into a document on the belief systems and practices of this group. Take the answers you received from the person you interviewed and combine them with what you learned from your research. Write it up in a 5-7 page double spaced document (12 point font) that follows the outline of the questionnaire in the back of the syllabus.

Storying Lesson Plans Based on information contained in the World View Document, the student will develop lesson plans for twelve Bible stories using a “Storying” approach to the presentation. Each lesson plan will contain the following:

1. Lesson Number and Title 2. Lesson Goals (What you want the listeners to learn or do) 3. Scripture References (for the focal passages of the lesson) 4. A Summary Statement (One to three sentences describing the main point of the

lesson) 5. Visuals (At least one chart or picture for use in teaching the lesson) 6. Rationale (A short paragraph showing the connection between the story selected

and the worldview targeted) Students should use material found on the Firm Foundations compact disc as a model for this project.

Gospel Phrases Each student will learn how to speak at least four phrases in a language other than his/her native tongue. These should be practical phrases that could be used on a short term mission trip. Examples include:

“Hello, how are you?”

“My name is _____. What is yours?”

“Where is the airport?”

“I am a Christian.”

“Jesus loves you.”

“Do you know Jesus?”

“Please believe in Him.”

For extra credit, the student may choose to memorize a verse of scripture in this language.

Students will be required to repeat these phrases from memory during class in order to receive credit.

Book Review During the semester students will read and review one of the books listed below:

Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1993.

Elmer, Duane. Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out and Fitting in Around the World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2002.


Lingenfelter, Judith E., and Sherwood G. Lingenfelter. Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for learning and Teaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003

Piper, John, Let The Nations Be Glad! (The Supremacy of God in Missions). Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003.

These books are on reserve in the OBU library and are available on a first come first served basis.

Begin the report with the following statement: “I have read ___% of this book.” This part is worth 50% of the reading report. (You do not want to lie in a missions class?! )

Write a narrative summary of the book. This is not a repetition of the Table of Contents. Rather it is a retelling of the book in story form, describing the journey that the book takes. It may not exceed two pages. This part is worth 20% of the reading report.

Part three is a critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the book. This may not exceed two pages. This part is worth 20% of the reading report (half for the strengths, half for the weaknesses).

The remaining 10% of this project’s grade will be based on form and readability.

Exams

Three exams (including the final) will test the student’s comprehension of course material. The exams will cover course lectures and textbook material.

Field Trip On the last day of the semester, students will travel with the instructor to experience examples of cultural diversity in the South Central Arkansas area. Students receive full credit for this assignment simply by participating with their presence for the entire afternoon.

Extra Credit

Every student has one opportunity to earn up to 15 extra grade book points ☺ by attending Christian Focus Week (3 points per session), February 12-16. (See OBU’s online campus calendar for details.) To receive points, submit a report of how many sessions you attended using the Attendance Verification Form in Appendix B

Grading Note: All projects are due by the beginning of class on the dates scheduled (see under “Course Schedule.”). A late penalty of five points per calendar day will be assessed to all late submissions.

Points Each Project is assigned a potential point value as follows:


20 Points for Class Devotionals 10 points for each devotional

250 Points for the Course Organizer 15 points for Format 10 points for Section 1—Course Introduction 220 points for Section 2—Chapter Notes (20 chapters at 5 points per chapter) and Class Notes (30 sessions at 4 point per session) 5 points for Section 3—Projects (1 point for each project inserted in the notebook)

100 Points for the World View Document 25 points for Form 25 points for Research 25 points for the Interview 25 points for Organization and Readability

160 Points for the Storying Lesson Plans (12 lessons x 15 points per lesson) Each lesson will be worth 15 points as follows:

3 points for Form 3 points for Lesson Goals and Scripture References 3 points for Summary Statements 3 points for Visuals 3 points for Rationale

50 Points for the Gospel Phrases 12. 5 points for each of four phrases 15 to 25 bonus points for memory verse (depending on length of verse)

100 Points for the Book Report 10 points for Form and Readability 50 points for Reading 20 points for Summary 20 points for Critique

300 Points for the Exams Each of the three exams is worth 100 points.

30 Points for the Field Trip

1000 Points Total

Letter Grades Letter grades are determined according to the following scale.

A = 930-1000 points B = 800-929 points C = 700-799 points D = 600-699 points Students must make 600 points or above to pass the course.

Professionalism in the classroom and in the community: This course represents part of an overall curriculum designed to prepare students for careers/ministries in fields that require extensive cross-cultural training. To that end, students are expected to exhibit in the classroom the same professionalism and demeanor that will be


required of them in their chosen fields.

Students should attend classes faithfully, dress appropriately, remain alert and focused during class sessions, complete assignments on schedule, and maintain a positive, cooperative attitude toward the instructor and fellow students. Class time is not a time to sleep, daydream, or catch up on assignments from other courses.

Three “tardies” will count as one absence. Every student is permitted five absences with no grade penalty. Absences above five are penalized five grade book points per absence. School sponsored activities are excused. Any student who misses more than nine classes for any reason will be automatically dropped from this class. The manner in which students conduct themselves, both on campus and off, is a reflection on this university and of their individual callings. Their attitudes and commitment will impact their own career, other students, the Kingdom of the Gospel as a whole. Please be especially mindful of this, especially during the course of this semester.

Course Instructor: Before joining the Pruet School of Christian Studies faculty in June 2004, Dr. Raymond E. (Ray) Franklin served for twenty-three years as a Southern Baptist missionary to the people of Japan. He holds the Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Students may contact him at:

Email: [email protected] Office: BBB 208 ext. 5282 Home: 230-1264

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Ouachita Baptist University is committed to extending access and opportunity to those who have disabilities. To request modifications or accommodations due to a disabling condition, or for a copy of the University policy concerning modifications or accommodations, contact Neill Hunter, University Counselor and ADA/504 Coordinator, in the Counseling Services Office. The office is located in Evans Student Center 136, and the telephone number is 245-5591. You may email the University Counselor and ADA/504 Coordinator at [email protected].

COVENANT ON ACADEMIC HONOR: Students at Ouachita are obligated to uphold the Covenant on Academic Honor, which reads in part, “I will refrain from all forms of academic dishonesty, and I will act responsibly when confronted with the knowledge of such behavior.” For the possible consequences of any violation of this covenant, please see The Tiger Handbook

Educator:

Students may monitor their progress in this course by logging onto “Educator” through the campus web page. Please contact Computer Services for questions regarding their Educator accounts.


Announcements concerning this class will be sent through Educator’s built-in email system. To make communication easier, students may choose to have their Educator emails forwarded to an account they check regularly. To do so following these instructions:

1 Enter this course on Educator and click the GRADES/PROFILE link. 2 Click the Modify Profile sublink below GRADES/PROFILE. 3 Find the IMPORTANT NOTE regarding email forwarding and click the CLICK HERE link. 4 In the first field, type the email address to which you would like Educator mail forwarded. Click SUBMIT at the bottom.

There is no need to do this with each Educator course--this procedure sets the forwarding address for all of your online courses.


Course Schedule Day Date

Topic Text

Chapters Course Organizer Due Dates

WED 1/17 Intro/Overview Overview

FRI 1/19

Communication and Mission

Devotional Sign Up

MON 1/22 “ 1

WED 1/24 “

FRI 1/26 “ 2

MON 1/29 Communication and Culture 3

WED 1/31 “

FRI 2/2 “ 4

MON 2/5 “

WED 2/7 Worldviews 5

FRI 2/9 “

MON 2/12 “ 6

WED 2/14 “ 7

FRI 2/16

Christian Focus Week CLASS DISMISSED

MON 2/19 Exam One Notes, World View Document

WED 2/21 Cognitive Processes 8

FRI 2/23 “ 9

MON 2/26 “

WED 2/28 “ 10

FRI 3/2 Literacy and Orality


MON 3/5 “ 11

WED 3/7 “

FRI 3/9 “ 12

MON 3/12 Linguistic Forms

WED 3/14 “ 13

FRI 3/16 “

MON 3/19

SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES

WED 3/21 FRI 3/23

MON 3/26 Exam Two 15 Notes,

WED 3/28 Behavioral Patterns

FRI 3/30 “ 16

Storying Lesson Plans Gospel Phrases (repeat in class)

MON 4/2 “

WED 4/4 “ 17

FRI 4/6

GOOD FRIDAY NO CLASS

MON 4/9 Social Structures 18

WED 4/11 “

FRI 4/13 “ 19 Notes, Book Report

MON 4/16 Media Influence

WED 4/18 “ 20

FRI 4/20 “

MON 4/23 “ 21


WED 4/25 Motivational Sources

FRI 4/27 “ 22

MON 4/30 “

WED 5/2 “ 23

FRI 5/4 Field Trip

FRI 5/11 11-12:40

FINAL EXAM Notebook in Final Form, Course

Introduction


Appendix A: World View Questionnaire Spiritual Barriers

-What myths, beliefs and taboos exist in this culture? -What do they believe about origins and the spirit world? -What do they do to change circumstances and events? -How do they relate to the spirit world? -What issues are barriers or stumbling blocks to the Gospel? -What spiritual misconceptions or deliberate misinformation exist in their culture?

Life’s Goals and Ideals -What does success consist of? (A good marriage? Lots of sons? A good reputation in the eyes of others?) -What do people hope for? -What do people admire? (Generosity? Men who shop well?) -Whom do people admire? -What are people proud of? -What brings honor to a person? -What brings status to a person? (Showy furniture? Being a hadj?) -What do people enjoy? -What are ideal characteristics for: mothers, fathers, spouses, sons, daughters, bosses and teachers?

Life’s Problems and Fears -What does failure consist of? -What are people afraid of? (Sorcery? Divorce?) -What are people angry about? -What are people’s frustrations? -In what ways are people hurting? -What do people want to escape from? -What do people want to change? -What brings a person shame/dishonor? -What makes a person lose face?

Life’s Dominant Concerns -How do people spend their free time? (Cinema? Music? Cafes? Football? TV?) -What are the recurring subjects of conversation? Of graffiti? Of Cartoons? -What are people’s preoccupations? (Shortages? Job problems? Child care? Sick children? Marriages? Divorce?)

Social Control and Authority -Whose opinions matter to people? -Whom do people want to please? -To whom do people look for permission? For advice? For comfort? For affirmation? For strength? -What lends authority to ideas? (Logical reasoning? Reference to a proverb? To words of a song? To a quotation from the Koran? The fact that an idea is stated by a scientist? By an Imman? By an old man? By a teacher?) -What are considered reliable sources of information? (Newspapers? Radio? Parents? Friends? Teachers?)


-How are various groups of people viewed: the French, the Americans, the rich, the poor, the old, the students, the hadjs, the educated?

Expressing Feelings -How do people express love? -Appreciation? -Approval? -Agreement? -Anger? (By refusing to eat in the other’s house? By returning the other’s belongings to him?) -Disapproval? (By mild words of approval?) -Disagreement? (By silence?) -What things do people interpret as insults? -What things do people interpret as indifference? -What kinds of body language are used?

Religious Attitudes -How do people seek for God? -What are the characteristics of a God-seeking/God-Caring person? -What does such a person look like? -How does such a person behave? -What does worship consist of? -How do people expect God to speak? (Through dreams? Through the Imman? Through the Koran?) -How do people sense sin? -How do people deal with sin? -What roles (if any) do sacrifices play? Sacrifices to marabouts? Sacrifices during the Sheep Feast? -How do people seek to know what will happen in the future? How do they seek to know God’s will about the future? (Through the Koran? Through dreams? Through the occult? Through fortunetellers?) -How do people seek to change situations and influence the future? (By direct action? By prayer? By the occult? By mediators? By marabouts?) -What are the characteristics of a person who despises God? Of a person who despises his society? (Wears blue jeans? Eats in public during Ramadan? Associates with foreigners?)

Consequences for Me -What things, what groups of people should I avoid being associated with? -What kinds of behavior can spoil my witness for Jesus? -What things ought I do to avoid insulting people? -What things can I do to show appreciation for people?


Appendix B: Attendance Verification Form, Christian Focus Week (Copy this page and take it with you to the sessions. Turn it in to the Instructor by Wednesday, February 28.) Student’s Name:______________________________ I hereby verify my attendance at, and request extra credit for, the following CFW Sessions.

Session Speaker Topic Signature of Attending Professor

1 Mon

2 Tue

3 Wed

4 Thu

5 Fri

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Cross-Cultural Communication - Ouachita Baptist University

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