Valdosta State University Department of Communication Arts

EMAC 2600
International
Communication
Format: Online
Design: Weekly Modules

FALL 2020

Course Description Dr. Phillip Arceneaux

The study of significant cultural differences that inform Dr. Arceneaux earned a Ph.D.
successful, ethical interaction in a global communication. This from the University of Florida
course will examine communication contexts ranging from with interests in international
interpersonal contexts to the use of emerging media.
communication, specifically
Course Objectives: public and digital diplomacy.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able His scholarly interests include
to: 1) Demonstrate knowledge of how cultural differences impact international relations,
communication in various contexts, 2) Analyze their own cultural
international law, and
attitudes, values, and practices particularly as they influence
interaction in cross-cultural contexts, and 3) Demonstrate an cybersecurity. He received his
understanding of the ethical implications of communication in bachelor’s at LSU and his
cross-cultural contexts. master ’s at the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. Arceneaux’s work
General Education Outcomes: experience spans communications in
The following general education outcomes for this course are
listed below: Students will analyze, evaluate, and interpret di- academics, professional athletics, and
verse forms of human communication. government, including the U.S. Naval
Academy, U.S. Department of State, and
Program Outcomes: Central Intelligence Agency.
The following program outcomes for this course are listed below:
1) Students will analyze and evaluate different cultural, historical, Email: [email protected]
and ethical perspectives in communication, 2) Demonstrate
knowledge of and apply communication and media theories that LinkedIn: /philliparceneaux/
inform practices in traditional and emerging media.
Office Hours: By Appointment
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Recommended Course Textbooks:

Title: Global Communication: Theories,
Stakeholders, & Trends (4th Edition)
Author: Thomas L. McPhail
ISBN-13: 978-1118622025

Title: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication:

Identities in a Global Community (9th Edition)
Author: Fred E. Jandt
ISBN 13: 978-1506361659

There is no such thing as a “freebie” when it comes to absences or being late. If you
Absences & have missed an in class assignment, you will receive a zero. Please note that all
assignments are uploaded online, but some are due by the posted date and time. All
Late Policy times are in the current time zone of Valdosta State University. Late work is not
accepted. If you have an excused absence, you may make arrangements to turn in
your work early. In the case of an emergency, late work may be accepted with documentation of the
extenuating circumstance. Religious holiday conflicts with class should be submitted by the
third week of class. Excused absences are as follows: University Sponsored Events with at least 1 week
prior notice and documentation; Medical/Emotional/ Family Emergencies with appropriate
documentation and communication. All emergency absence documentation is due within two weeks
of your return to class. Make up assignments will not be given until documentation is received.

Respect is an absolute requirement for this course. Participation is

essential to the learning process and reflects a percentage of the course grade. In
order to give everyone the opportunity for maximum participation, a safe
respectful environment must exist in the class for all opinions and perspectives.
At no time should there be any use of profanity, disrespectful slurs, or aggressive
volume used in the discussions. This applies to course guests and students.
Surfing the Internet, playing games, and blogging are all disrespectful when done
during a presentation or lecture. We are all here to learn, and should therefore
vow to listen, process, and then respectfully respond to the statements made.
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Course Grading Breakdown

• Personal Introduction Video 1 video X 25 points = 25 points
• Journal Project: 1 journal X 100 points = 75 points
• Midterm Exam: 1 exam X 150 points = 150 points
• Semester Paper: 1 paper X 100 points = 100 points
• Final Exam: 1 exam X 150 points = 150 points

500 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE IN THE CLASS

*All assignments are for credit towards a college level course. Submissions should be of college level
quality. All homework and class assignments should be coherent and presentable. Please check grammar,
punctuation, and tone prior to submission. First and last names should be listed on all submissions (no
nicknames). If having extreme difficulties submitting materials in BlazeVIEW, please reach out to the
instructor for assistance.

500 - 450 = A 449 - 396 = B 395 - 346 = C 345 - 296 = D 295 - 0 = F

Assignment Descriptions.
• Personal Journal Project: As communicators, it is our job to
objectively see the world before us and share information about
that world with those around us. Unfortunately, when it comes
to ourselves, it is very hard to for people to maintain objectivity
when analyzing their own communication behavior. Therefore,
for one week every student will keep a journal cataloging every
time they interact with international communication. Students
will note not only their usage, (in bed, on the bus, in class, etc.), but also make attempts to notice
international communication around them (in class, in the library, in the student union, etc.). On the
Sunday each student’s weekly journal is due, the student will submit the journal along with a 2 -3
page reflection paper discussing his/her perspective of attempting to objectively analyze their
experience. The journal project will be worth 100 points, or over 20% of your grade in the course.

• Midterm Exam: The Midterm Exam will test all material covered since the very
first day of class. This means that all information from Weeks 1 - 8 will be covered.
The exam will be worth 150 points, or 30% of your grade in the course. The test
format will involve multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions.
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Assignment Descriptions, Cont’d

• Semester Paper: International Communication is a broad field of study that lends easily to
multiple applications. For your term paper, each student will write about an analysis of a
particular context involving the use of technology to communicate to communicate abroad. This
can include print, telegraphy, radio, cinematography, television broadcasting, the Internet, or
social media. Honing in on a specific use of your selected
medium, you will explore the technological, sociological, and
psychological implications of using such a medium to
communication internationally. In all, the 10-paper should be no
less than 1,250 words (double-spaced). This paper will be worth
150 points, or 20% of your grade in the course.

• Final Exam: The Final Exam will test all material covered since the very first day of class, with
emphasis on the second half of the semester. This means that all information from the first 8
weeks of class is fair game, but most of the exam will test information on the second 8 weeks of
class. The exam will be worth 150 points, or 16% of your grade in the course. The test format will
involved multiple choice, matching, short answer questions, and one long essay question.

Title IX Statement
Valdosta State University (VSU) is committed to creating a diverse and
inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and
harassment. VSU is dedicated to creating an environment where all
campus community members feel valued, respected, and included.
Valdosta State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment and
sexual violence), sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age,
disability, genetic information, or veteran status, in the University's
programs and activities as required by applicable laws and regulations such as Title IX. The individual
designated with responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries
concerning nondiscrimination policies is the University's Title IX Coordinator: The Director of the
Office of Social Equity, [email protected], 1208 N. Patterson St., Valdosta State University,
Valdosta, Georgia 31698, 229-333-5463.
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Tentative Class Agenda for the Semester

Date Topic Outside Materials Assignments
Introduction & Syllabus
A History of International
Week 1 ———
Why Is International Communication Studies
August 17 - 23 (E. C. Hanson, BlaseVIEW)
Communication Important?

Week 2 Introduction to
Jandt, Chapter 1 ———
August 24 - 30 Intercultural Communication

Week 3 Barriers to
Jandt, Chapter 2 ———
August 31 - September 6 Intercultural Communication

Week 4 Contexts of
Jandt, Chapter 3 ———
September 7 - 13 Intercultural Communication

Week 5 Nonverbal Communication Jandt, Chapter 4 Journals Due

September 14 - 20

Week 6 Language in
Jandt, Chapter 5 ———
September 21 - 27 Intercultural Communication

Week 7 Dimensions of
Jandt, Chapter 6 ———
September 28 - October 4 Intercultural Communication

Week 8 Cultures Within Cultures Jandt, Chapter 11 Midterm Exam

October 5 - 11
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Tentative Class Agenda for the Semester, Cont’d

Models & Approaches to
Week 9
Evaluating Global Media McPhail, Chapters 1 & 2 ———
October 12 - 18 Systems

Week 10 Global Media Systems: Readings posted to

———
October 19 - 25 The Printing Press BlazeView

Week 11 Global Media Systems: Readings posted to

———
October 26 - November 1 Telegraphy BlazeView

Week 12 Global Media Systems: Readings posted to

———
November 2 - 8 Radio BlazeView

Global Media Systems:

Week 13 Television & McPhail, Chapters 5 & 7 ———
November 9 - 15 Satellite Broadcasting

Week 14 Global Media Systems:

McPhail, Chapters 6 & 10 ———
November 16 - 22 The Internet

Week 15 Global Media Systems: Readings posted to

———
November 23 - 29 Social Media BlazeView

Week 16 Semester Wrap Up ——— Term Paper Due

November 30 - December 6

Exams MUST be completed

Final Exam Week ——— ——— by 11:59 Eastern on
December 7 - 11 Friday, December 11th.
EMAC 2600: International Communication 3) No student shall take or attempt to take, steal, or otherwise
procure in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to
Academic Honor Code & the conduct of a class, including but not limited to tests,
examinations, laboratory equipment, and roll
Academic Honesty books.
4) No student shall sell, give, lend, or
Academic integrity is the responsibility of otherwise furnish to any unauthorized person
all VSU faculty and students. Faculty material which can be shown to contain the
members should promote academic questions or answers to any examinations
integrity by including clear instruction on scheduled to be given at any subsequent date
the components of academic integrity and in any course of study offered by the
clearly defining the penalties for cheating University, without authorization from the
and plagiarism in their course syllabi. University.
Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by 5) No student shall engage in plagiarism,
which is presenting the words or ideas of another person as if
the Academic Integrity Policy as set forth in the
they were the student’s own. Essays, term papers, laboratory
Student Code of Conduct and the faculty members’
reports, tests, online writing assignments, and other similar re-
syllabi. All students are expected to do their own quirements must be the work of the student submitting them.
work and to uphold a high standard of academic Some typical examples of plagiarism are:
ethics. • Submitting an assignment as if it were one’s own work
Academic Integrity Violations: when, in fact, it is at least partly or entirely the work of another.
Cheating and plagiarism are academic integrity viola- • Submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise
tions. Additional violations may be added as deemed obtained from an Internet source or another source.
appropriate. The following academic integrity violations Incorporating the words or ideas of an author into one’s paper
are not to be considered all-inclusive: without giving the author due credit, e.g., when direct
1) No student shall use or attempt to use unauthorized quotations are used, they must be indicated, and when the
materials or devices to aid in achieving a better grade on a ideas of another are incorporated in the paper they must be
component of a class. appropriately acknowledged.
2) No student shall receive or give or attempt to receive or
give assistance not authorized by the instructor in the For More Information:
preparation of an essay, laboratory report, examination or
other assignment included in any academic course. Visit: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/student-
affairs/student-conduct-office/student-code-of-conduct.pdf

1. Class will be fun. Students will look forward to the class and the assignments.
Teacher - Student 2. Everything will be useful and have a purpose. I promise not to assign any busy work.
Agreement 3. Participation is required. You do not have to talk the most, but I expect active
listeners and participation.
4. Mature and respectful behavior is expected. This includes ARRIVING ON TIME.
5. Electronics are allowed for CLASS SPECIFIC PURPOSES ONLY.
6. I am here to help, but I expect you to check the syllabus and BlazeVIEW before
asking assignments/grade questions.

Students with disabilities who are experiencing barriers in this course may contact the
ADA Access Office for assistance in determining and implementing reasonable accommo-
dations. The access Office is located in Farbar Hall. The phone numbers are 229-245-
Statement 2498 (V), 229-375-5871. For more information, please visit VSU’s Access Office or
email: [email protected].
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Academic Resources
• The Academic Support Center: The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides free peer
tutoring in core curriculum courses, including, math, writing, sciences, social sciences, humanities,
and foreign languages. The ASC also provides supplemental instruction (tutor-led study group
sessions) for historically difficult courses like biology, chemistry, geosciences, psychology and
sociology, as well as academic success workshops. New for fall 2018: 24/7 access to online
tutoring through ThinkingStorm, which includes Writing Center where you can submit drafts for
feedback and get help with core courses when the ASC is closed. Call 229-333-7570 to make an
appointment, email us at [email protected], or visit our website www.valdosta.edu/asc. Located in Langdale Hall.

• Odum Library provides a variety of services to assist classroom instruction, including library instruction, course
reserves, and interlibrary loan. Please see Library Faculty Services for further information.

• Student Success Portal: The Student Success Portal provides an interactive dashboard, student profiles and
messaging tools for faculty, advisors and student support staff to easily assess student performance and risk indicators
that may contribute to or hinder students from being successful in their programs. It combines early alert flagging with
predictive analytics to track and improve student performance.

Health & Wellness Resources

The VSU community is committed to and cares about all students. If you or someone you know at VSU feels overwhelmed,
hopeless, depressed, and/or is thinking about dying by suicide, supportive services are available and effective. For
immediate help contact the University Police at 229-259-5555 who will contact appropriate resources for support. More
information and local resources are located here.
As a student, you may experience a range of challenges that can interfere with learning, such. These mental health
concerns or stressful events may diminish your academic performance and/or reduce your ability to participate in daily
activities. VSU services are available and treatment does work. You can learn more about confidential mental health
services available on campus here. 24 hour emergency help is also available through the University Police at 229-259-5555
who will contact on-call counselors or appropriate resources for support
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health problems can help you or others to consider seeking care that can
help. Treatment for mental health problems is effective. More information and resources are located at The Counseling
Center website.
In the event I suspect you need additional support, I will express my concerns and the reasons for them, and remind you
of campus resources that might be helpful to you. It is not my intention to know the details of what might be bothering
you, but simply to let you know I am concerned and that help, if needed, is available. Getting help is a smart and coura-
geous thing to do -- for yourself and for those who care about you.
If you, or someone you know, needs support, is distressed, or exhibits
concerning behavior, help by making a referral to the BIT Team. The VSU
BIT Team's purpose is to promote a safe and productive learning, living,
and working environment by addressing the needs of students. As your
professor, I may contact the BIT Team to seek support for you. I encour-
age you to fill out a referral if you or a classmate are in need of help.
There are several ways to contact the BIT Team:
1) For more information about the BIT Team, click here.
2) Email your concern to [email protected]; or
3) Fill out the anonymous Concerning Behavior Reporting Form here.
EMAC 2600: International Communication

Student Opinion of Instruction

At the end of the term, all students will be expected to complete an online Student Opinion of Instruction survey
(SOI) that will be available on BANNER. Students will receive an email notification through their VSU email
address when the SOI is available (generally at least one week before the end of the term). SOI responses are
anonymous to instructors/administrators. Instructors will be able to view only a summary of all responses two
weeks after they have submitted final grades.
While instructors will not be able to view
individual responses or to access any of the data
until after final grade submission, they will be
able to see which students have or have not
completed their SOIs, and student compliance
may be considered in the determination of the
final course grade. These compliance and
non-compliance reports will not be available
once instructors are able to access the results.

Memes of Wisdom for this Semester