Culture, Symbols, Language

Learning Objectives:

• Students begin to understand the differences in language, cultural symbols and practices across the world.
• Students are introduced to the impact of different cultural practices on international business
• Students continue to improve their ability to locate countries on the world map

  Addresses the Following ISLOS: Critical thinking, Communication, and Multicultural/ Global Literacy


Context within the Course: This learning activity introduces one of the aspects that influence international business practices. Following weeks cover the topics of religious practices, political and legal frameworks, stage of economic development etc.

Materials: Reading in manual (readings are available from Professor Dexter-Smith*), list of key terms, question worksheet, “post-its” with languages


Instructions

1. During the first session of week students are asked to read the week’s materials prior to coming to class.
2. Instructor covers the key terms asking individual students for their feedback.
3. Activity using the “post-its” –students have to locate countries where specific languages are spoken; this will then illustrate how languages have been spread with migration etc.
4. During the second session of week the Instructor discusses the worksheet questions and indicates to the students how to find the answers in the reading. In further weeks, students will be expected to complete these worksheets on their own.
5. Students work in small groups to read and answer the question on the two cases.
6. During the third session of week the students visit the library to learn how to research topics on countries so that they can start work on their country portfolio projects.

Assessment Criteria: Students are required to pass in the completed Week 2 key terms and worksheet questions so that the instructor can assess their note taking skills.