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Area Studies 2 - The Americas Fall 2013 Syllabus

****The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus, course content and requirements based on the learning needs of the class. The number one goal is to see students progress as learners throughout the time they are in class sometimes adjustments are necessary****

Course Summary:
The main goal of this course is to offer students transferrable skills to use when they graduate. These skills are the conceptual and analytical tools that help students understand cultural differences as it relates to intercultural communication, a distinguishing attribute for International Business. The rst part of the semester focus is learning intercultural communication tools and framework for intercultural business communication. The second part is focused on applying the skills to learn the history, culture, social and economic and business cultures of North, Central and South America. The course will use real world examples and case studies.In addition to the concepts and topics presented in the LMS, lectures and discussions the class will culminate in a nal group project/presentation.

Manner of Lecturing:
All lectures will be conducted in English. Weekly classes will usually focus on a reading from the LMS combined with interactive class elements and supplemental materials. My class style of lecturing is interactive, both with in person, online elements and with your peers. Students will be expected to participate in open discussions during class and online discussions after class. We will also be doing some in class activities that may be physical in nature. Students are also expected to practice and apply their critical thinking skills whenever possible.... let me know your mind and your opinion. The class is considered a "low context" culture environment which may be a new dynamic for some learners. Some of the class elements will take you out of your comfort zone, and you will become stronger thinkers and learners gaining skills that are transferable to your work life when you nish school.

Required Textbook:
No textbook ... class materials will be distributed through the Class LMS

Optional Reference Books:


Exploring Culture: Exercises, Stories and Synthetic Cultures Hofstede, Gert Jan, Smith, Douglas M. Pedersen, Paul B. ISBN-13: 9781877864902 Cultures and Organizations: Software for the Mind: Intercultural Cooperation and Its Importance for Survival Hofstede, Gert Jan, Minkov, Michael ISBN-13: 9780071664189 Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business, Trompenaars, Fons, HampdenTurner, Charles ISBN-13: 9780071773089 Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural GuideFrom Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing ISBN-10: 0071714049 ISBN-13: 978-0071714044

Area Studies 2 - The Americas Fall 2013 - Fall

Instructor:
Terrill Reid McLain

Instructor Contact Information: http://mrmclain.weebly.com reidmclain@hufs.ac.kr https://www.facebook.com/MrMcLain https://twitter.com/ReidMcLain ID: kiltedkimchi To be successful in this course:
This is a modern course, and encourages critical thinking and participation. A successful student will take the following tips and apply them to their studies. Engage: Communicate, participate and engage with other students in group activities and your professor in class. Dont just show up, be present in your learning. Manage your time: Plan to spend one to two hours per week studying for every credit houryou are taking. This will help you meet assignment deadlines and develop good study habits. Practice self-discipline: You are a college student and an adult. You are responsible for your own learning and interactions. This is a great time to practice the self-reliance youll need when you graduate and work in the professional world. Seek support: Remember I am here to support your learning. Please dont hesitate to contact me for help and questions.

Evaluation:
Attendance 10% Individual assignments and participation: 20% Midterm: 30% Group project/nal: 40%

Area Studies 2 - The Americas Fall 2013 - Fall


Attendance:
You are in class or you are not in class. If you are in class you get credit, if you are not you dont. You get 1 free absence that does not count at the end of the semester. Use it wisely! This class is a participation class, you cannot get credit for being here when you are not. I do not accept excuses regardless of the reason. If you have extenuating circumstances and think you deserve an excused absence feel free to ask me, but 99% of the time the answer is no. Some things to keep in mind: If you miss it when I take attendance you will be marked late. If you are late 3 times, then it counts as 1 absence. If you show up too late to class, and were unable to participate fully it will be counted as an absence. It is impossible to get an A in this class with excessive tardies and absences.

Assignment Policies:
Class LMS (Learning Management System):
All assignments must be turned in using the LMS that is set up for the class. This will be introduced the second week of the class. E-mail, text and paper submissions will not be accepted. This system is separate from HUFS e-class. This system will be explained in class, but it is up to you to learn how to use it and use it to turn your assignments. Help is always available for those having difculties, do not wait until a deadline has past to ask for help.

Individual Assignments:
Assignments are due by the due date. Since many are usually graded as a completed or not-completed any work turned in late can only receive half credit. Completing your work is your responsibility, make sure you know your due dates.

In Class Group Assignments:


Case studies are done in class in teams and various groups, you cannot get credit for a discussion if you are not in class. If you wish to make up the work because of an absence, I will allow you to make it up for half credit. ***Uploading discussion evidence is your responsibility make sure you do it by the end of the day at the time due in order to receive full credit.

Due Dates/Times:
You CANNOT get full credit for an assignment if you or your group turn the work in late. Turn your work in on time. Example 1: If a group discussion is due at 11:59PM on Tuesday October 8th and you upload it at 2:00AM or 12:00AM Wednesday October 9th online. IT IS LATE! You will only receive half credit. Example 2: You were absent for a class, and you did not complete the task and you turn it in by the next class period. IT IS LATE! You will only receive half credit.

Area Studies 2 - The Americas Fall 2013 - Fall


Group Project:
You will be assigned a group for the nal project and presentation. You will work with the group to complete the project. Details of the expectations for the project will be outlined later in the semester. You will be graded on your participation by your teammates anonymously which will affect your nal score.

File Types:
The accepted le types for assignments are doc, docx, pdf , Google docs, and various pictures les uploaded through the Class LMS System. You can use any word processor you desire for the typed assignments but do not turn in a .hwp le, you will receive a 0 until it is xed, and then half credit because the corrected assignment was late.

Technology:
I use many different types of modern technology in class. This includes the use of smart phones. Please feel free to bring your tablet computers, laptops and smart phones to class. I will actually use them in class for some participation. You are expected to view the class websites and technology outside of class. In order to do this you need to have access to a computer that has a modern web browser (which is possible on our school computers, even if you have to download it each time). Chrome and Firefox are examples of excellent web browsers for modern functionality and you should be able to download them easily. Most of the technology tools I use are also tablet and smart phone friendly, this is for your convenience if you are unable to make it work on your phone use a computer.

Class Agendas:
I prefer an agenda method of class time management. I will post the agenda on the LMS site before the class starts and once we complete the agenda class is nished for the day. Posting an agenda helps students know what to expect in class and helps us manage the time well. It is also a reference for due dates and assignments. It is your responsibility to know what is on the agenda for the day and the assignments for the week. You should check the class blog/LMS regularly

Cheating:
Putting it succinctly: I do not have time for academic criminals, so dont be one in my class. Maintain your integrity for the work you do. Do not use Google translate, or any other online translation service for your English use. I can tell when you do it, so dont do it. You will hear me say time and again use YOUR English. Do not copy or use someone elses work unless you cite it properly. Use YOUR English. Do not cheat on quizzes or exams, you will receive an F and I will report you to academic affairs.

Area Studies 2 - The Americas Fall 2013 - Fall

Tentative Class Schedule:


Actual class agenda and due dates will be distributed on the LMS as class progresses

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Date September 3rd September 10th September 17th September 24th October 1st October 8th October 15th October 22nd October 29th November 5th November 12th November 19th November 26th December 3rd December 10th December 17th Introduction Class Class Class Class Class Review Midterm Week Class Class Class Class Class Presentations Presentations

Class Focus

Finals Week - Final Packet Due

***Anything that does not make sense to you feel free to ask me for clarication

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