Course Description
Introduction to cross-cultural communication with the Hispanic/Latino community on horticulture-related topics. Use of basic green industry content-specific Spanish phrases, diversity and commonalities of Latino cultures and cultural values. Applied service-learning and other interactions with Latinos on projects related to the green industry.
Athena Title
Communicating with Latino Hort
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes 2 hours/week of instruction and 2 hours/week of applied service-learning field work with the Latino community. Course also includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of the project(s) and may spend time outside of the classroom. Students will be engaged in the service-learning component for approximately 25-50% of overall instructional time.
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will develop basic skills in cross-cultural communication with Spanish speakers within the context of the green industry. Students will be able to use language resources and communications strategies in context, as well as master basic horticultural Spanish phrases and vocabulary. Students will understand concepts of cross-cultural communication and cultural sensitivity, and will demonstrate awareness of the characteristics of the Hispanic/Latino cultures in Georgia (demographics, cultural values, similarities and differences) and in the green industry.
Topical Outline
Cross-cultural communication: Goals and strategies Intro to Horticultural "Survival Spanish" Pronunciation of Spanish Names and naming in Spanish Horticulture-specific vocabulary and phrases Overview of present tense verbs in Spanish Overview of past tense verbs in Spanish Overview of command tense verbs in Spanish Communication strategies and resources Latino demographics in Georgia Latino cultural values, similarities, and differences Latinos in the green industry Developing and implementing an applied service-learning project. (The service-learning component [30 hrs. overall] provides applied opportunities to learn more about and to practice cross-cultural communications skills in the context of horticulture or other appropriate settings, including presentations to the work-force, collaborative projects with Latino workers, English practice/instruction/tutoring with Latinos, etc.)
Syllabus