Course Description
Course explores how communication can signal social identity and categorization as well as the activation of stereotypes and biases in interactions. Examination of how the activation of certain social categories can influence how we communicate with others, and how this can both facilitate and complicate interactions between members of different social groups (e.g., national, ethnic, racial, gender, ability, political, and religious).
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will complete an independent research project on an intergroup communication issue of their own choosing. This project will require: (1) extensive research of primary sources beyond the readings assigned for undergraduates; (2) application of theory related to the intergroup issue; (3) an original argument integrating and synthesizing past research to the current paper; and (4) a proposed method of how data will be collected. Graduate students will also prepare an in-class presentation of their research and lead the rest of the class in discussion.
Athena Title
Intergroup Communication
Prerequisite
COMM 1500 or COMM 1500E or COMM 2550H
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, students who have consistently attended class and engaged with the reading should be able to: 1. Distinguish between the personal and social aspects of identity. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of what an intergroup perspective on communication is and how it differs from interpersonal communication. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how social group membership and categorization processes influence communication, including the role of power dynamics in societal processes underlying social identities. 4. Explicate the intersectionality of identities and socially constructed connotations surrounding identity and group membership. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic tenets of social identity theory (SIT), self-categorization theory (SCT), intergroup contact hypothesis, theory of mediated contact, and other theories of intergroup communication. 6. Be able to recognize and provide examples of how social identity can affect interactions in different contexts. 7. Apply concepts from the course to real-world intergroup issues via media posts/content discussions. 8. Demonstrate experiential learning via student-led class discussions, group presentations, and intergroup literature review projects. 9. Develop competent intergroup communication skills. 10. Develop competent intergroup written and oral communication skills.
Topical Outline
I. Foundations of intergroup communication a. Personal versus social identity b. What is intergroup communication? c. Categorization and particularization d. Principles of intergroup communication II. Dimensions of intergroup communication a. National/cultural identity b. Racial/ethnic identity c. Family identity d. Sport identity e. Religious identity f. Ability g. Sexual identity h. Gender identity III. Theories of intergroup communication a. Social identity theory and self-categorization theory b. Intergroup contact theory c. Parasocial and mediated contact IV. Intergroup contexts and application a. Criminal justice and policing b. Education V. Developing intergroup communication skills a. Intergroup competence b. Intergroup understanding and empathy c. Individuation and mindfulness d. Intergroup contact and compassion
Syllabus
Public CV