The
Study of Communication, Community & Sacred Sense of Place
Cultures differ in numerous communication variables,
such as the expression of emotion, directness, listening styles, nonverbals,
linguistic framing, relational expectations, and conflict style. Cultures
also vary on cultural communication dimensions (identified by Hofstede),
such as individualism/collectivism, low/high power distance, masculinity/femininity,
high/low contact, high/low context, etc., and these cultural dimensions
can create communication barriers and misunderstandings.
Scotland affords you the opportunity to engage cultural
communication differences without language barriers, and it also offers
the opportunity for a life-changing
study/travel experience in faith, communication and community with the Iona
Christian Community.
The Scotland May Term addresses three broad themes:
Community....Intercultural Communication...Sacred Sense of Place
Your individual project, which will directly correspond
to one of these larger themes, will use oral history methodology and
video
camera technology to engage
with Scottish people interpersonally. These projects will address a concept
of intercultural communication in depth, exploring how Scottish people
perceive and perform the concept, how the media represent the concept,
and how the
concept affects your own sense of culture, faith and identity.
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Iona: Study & Reflection
St. Columba came to Iona in 563 A.D. to establish a monastery which facilitated
the spread of Christianity in Scotland and Northern England. Iona housed
a Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages, and relics from these early
centuries of the Christian faith are evident in Iona today. Currently,
the Iona Christian
Community is a “dispersed Christian ecumenical
community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community
and the renewal of worship”.
The Community hosts individuals who will commit to a week-long experience
of community living, worship, and study. You will be challenged physically
(hiking), relationally (living in community), educationally (reading
and engaging in workshop discussions), and spiritually (living the Iona
Community common rule). The Iona Community attracts many international
visitors so you will likely be engaged in learning with young people
from all over the world.
Glasgow
University: Research Methods
In Glasgow you will engage a large university and large city
environment. Faculty from the University of Glasgow Media Research Center
will introduce you to media in the UK and explain the methods and results
of research conducted through the Center. You will also engage in on-the-street
interviewing related to your individual research project. Glasgow is
a remarkably friendly city. The credibility of the University, and the
friendly communication culture of Glasgow will help you develop confidence
in interviewing strangers.
Edinburgh: Engaging Culture
Edinburgh is easy to navigate, and you can engage the historical sights
of the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Old Town, the medieval underground
vaults,Greyfriars Kirk, gardens, Museum of Scotland, etc. Edinburgh
is a cosmopolitan Greyfriars Kirk, gardens, Museum of Scotland, etc. Edinburgh
is a cosmopolitan city known for its arts scene and rich history. You
will begin your understanding of the history, art and religion of the
region in Iona (6th-14th centuries), and will continue your understanding
of history in Edinburgh, focusing on the 15th-18th centuries.
Isle of Skye & Scottish
Highlands: Bringing Together Communication,
Community & a Sacred Sense of Place
An understanding of Scotland would be incomplete without exposure to the geography,
history and culture of the Highlands. This area will enrich your understanding
of 12th-18th century history, the nature of clan and kinship in Scottish heritage
and community, the violence and vengeance that defined these communities, the
role of violence in the spread of Protestantism, and the communication and
cultural practices that sustain contemporary Highland culture. Though this
is a less populous region that depends highly on tourism, there will be opportunities
to interview people who live in the small communities of the Highlands and
Isle of Skye.
Proposed Itinerary
Class Dates: May 7 - May 30
Travel Dates: May 10 - May 30
Day 1: Travel Grand Rapids to Glasgow
Day 2-4: Explore Glasgow
Day 5-6: University of Glasgow
Day 7-9: Highlands & Isle of Skye
Day 9-10: Oban, Travel to Iona
Day 10-16: Iona Community
Day 16: Travel to Edinburgh
Day 17-20: Edinburgh, St. Andrews
Day 21: Return to US
Credit: COMM395 (4 credit hours); or Senior Seminar
Estimated Cost: $2,540 (to be finalized 1/6/2012)
What's Included:
- all transportation between cities
- all accommodations
- all breakfasts and approximately 1 additional meal per day
- most admissions and tour fees
What's Not Included
- tuition
- airfare*
- Approximately 1 meal per day
- Optional tours/admissions
*You may choose to travel with the group by booking the recommended
itinerary.
Payment Due Dates:
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January 9 |
$500 Deposit Due (non-refundable): |
| |
March 30 |
1,240 |
| |
April 27 |
$800 remaining balance |
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you need to cancel for any reason, contact Dr. Johnston immediately. The cancellation date and monies expended on your behalf as of the cancellation date will determine if you are eligible for any refund. All cancellation and refund policies for Hope College off-campus programming will apply and will be handled by the Hope College Business Office.
AIRFARE: You are responsible for booking your own airfare to arrive in Glasgow (May11), and return from Edinburgh (May 30). You will be notified in January of the price and schedule of airfare to and from Grand Rapids, MI. You may elect to travel with the faculty and other students in the class (to and from GR), or you may elect to arrange your own airfare (in the event you want to return to another city in the US or continue traveling in Europe after the completion of the May Term).
