Course Description
The Comparative Culture course introduces students to the following issues: (1) the various definitions of the term "culture", (2) the interface between language and culture, (3) the importance of comparing cultures without falling into stereotypes and unwarranted bias, and (4) the contribution of comparative culture to the domain of translation. The course discusses American culture and makes reference to the British and European cultures and, whenever appropriate, to the Arab culture and Islamic values. It deals with the various factors that have contributed to the shaping up of the so- called American character. These factors include immigration, slavery, the frontier movement, and puritanism. The course stresses that these factors have made the American culture different in some of its aspects from the above-cited cultures and similar in some other aspects. The course also analyses, compares, and translates proverbs, sayings, and idioms in American English, British English and Arabic.
Grade Distribution
1st In-term: 20
2nd In-term: 20
Class Presentation: 7 points
Cultural Essay: 3 points
Final Exam: 50 points
Required Material
There is no textbook to buy. You need to buy the Comparative Culture Booklet from Al-Ameed Photocopy Center (Next to Al-Quaifil Photocopy Center) on King Abdullah Road.
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Comparative Culture Syllabus (Fall 2008)
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WEEK |
DATE (Hejri) |
DATE (Greg.) |
LESSON |
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1 |
Sat. 18/10/1429 |
18/10/2008 |
Introduction
(Students must buy their booklets this week!!!)
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2
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Sat. 25/10/1429 |
25/10/2008 |
What is Culture? |
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3 |
Sat. 3/11/1429 |
1/11/2008 |
Language & Culture: The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
The American People: Early Immigration
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4 |
Sat. 10/11/1429 |
8/11/2008 |
Characteristics of the American Culture: Diversity, Success,
Mobility & Entertainment
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5 |
Sat. 17/11/1429 |
15/11/2008 |
Religion, Puritanism, & the Importance of Spirituality
in the American Culture
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6 |
Sat. 24/11/1429 |
22/11/2008 |
Cross-Cultural Behavior Patterns:
(Arabic-Islamic / American Behavior & Values)
The American and British Cultures: Similarities & Differences
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7
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Sat. 1/12/1429 |
29/11/2008 |
Globalization |
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8 |
Sat. 8/12/1429
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6/12/2008 |
(One Hour Classes This Week)
Dialogue & Conflicts
1st In-term Exam: Sunday, Nov. 30th (Time: 1 – 2)
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9 |
Sat. 15/12/1429
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13/12/2008 |
Eid Al-Adha Break (no classes)
Tues. 4/12/1429 to Sun. 16/12/1429
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10 |
Sat. 22/12/1429 |
20/12/2008 |
Symbols & Body Language
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11 |
Sat. 29/12/1429 |
27/12/2008 |
Stereotyping
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12 |
Sat. 7/1/1430
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3/1/2009 |
Advertising & Language: A Culture Studies Analysis of a Text
Cultural Perspectives on the Role of Language
Deadline for handing in essays: Wednesday, Jan. 7th
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13 |
Sat. 14/1/1430 |
10/1/2009 |
(One Hour Classes This Week)
Cross-Cultural Link in Translation
2nd In-term Exam: Sunday, Jan. 11th (Time: 1 - 2)
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14 |
Sat. 21/1/1430 |
17/1/2009 |
A World of Idioms
Cross-Cultural Proverbs
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15 |
Sat. 28/1/1430 |
24/1/2009 |
Make-up Exam: Sunday, Jan.25th (Time: 9 – 10)
(Oral Exams Week)
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16 |
Sat. 5/2/1430 |
31/1/2009 |
General English/Arabic Exams |
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17 & 18 |
Sat. 12/2/1430 to
Wed. 23/2/1430
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Sat. 7/2/2009 to
Wed. 18/2/2009 |
COLT Final Exams |
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1st In-term: 20 points 2nd In-term: 20 points Final Exam: 50 points Presentation & Essay: 10 points
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Mid-Year Break: Wed., Feb. 18th – Sat., Feb. 28th |