COMM 3730 - Mindful Intercultural Communication

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Co-meets with COMM 5730.

C. Yuan.

In this course, students will read theories and research in positive psychology, mindfulness meditation, and intercultural communication to gain a basic understanding of the emerging science on the effects of mindfulness practices on effectiveness in intercultural communication, as well as mental and physical health. Students will also learn a series of meditative routines, including both basic breathing techniques and more advanced meditative practices that conscientiously cultivate such positive emotions as gratitude, joy, compassion, empathy, equanimity, forgiveness and connectedness of humanity. Through regular and persistent practices, students will grow their attentiveness, compassion, and empathy that are vital for constructive intercultural and interpersonal communication.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to describe and explain how meditation on mindfulness and compassion can affect the quality and effectiveness of interpersonal relationships in various cultural contexts.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to explain and engage various meditative practices, along with their benefits, intellectually and experientially.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to apply insights gained from mindful meditation to reduce stress in personal life, to boost the quality of interpersonal communication with classmates and other members of the Cornell community, and to achieve higher effectiveness in intercultural communication.