PD201 Syllabus F2018.doc - Course Syllabus PD201...

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Course Syllabus
PD201: Intercultural Communication in Policing
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing/ Faculty of Human & Social Sciences
Instructor Information
Nadine LeGros | Waterloo Campus
Contact Information (519-884-0710 x 4219/[email protected])
Weekly Office Hours (By Appointment/Virtual/F2F)
Wilfrid Laurier University is on Haldimand Tract, the traditional territory of the
Neutral, Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Teaching Philosophy
Intercultural Communication in Policing introduces you to the concepts of intercultural
communication and encourages you to explore the implications of culture and intercultural
communication in policing. In Canada, conversations about culture frequently get silenced
for fear of not being “politically correct.” In this course, we will be talking about issues that
many people might prefer to leave in silence. For some of you, elements in this course will
provide you with a language to discuss an experience that you live. Some of you might resist
some of the content of this course because it will invite you to examine a world view that
you might not even realize exists. For some of you, the learning will be immediate. For some
of you, learning may happen six months after you finish the course. You will all experience
this learning on different levels. Intercultural learning happens at different levels: at the
cognitive level; at the behavioural level; and at the affective (values) level.
Communication Policy
I will communicate important information to the entire class via the Newsfeed located on
the course MyLS page. Additionally, I will use email for course updates and where
necessary I will communicate with you individually through MyLS email. I check my email
at [email protected] frequently. I will respond to your email as soon as I can. If I have not
responded within 48 hours, please email again. Please always include your GROUP
NUMBER in the subject line of your communication .
NB: I do not respond to emails after 9:00 p.m.

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Course Information
PD201 Intercultural Communication in Policing (0.5 credit)
Course Description
Intercultural Communication in Policing introduces you to the field of intercultural
communication in order to recognize the challenges faced by law enforcement officials in
understanding and interpreting the behaviours, actions, and attitudes of individuals in
conflict within their own communities, within the larger community, and with the law.
Topics include postmodern theory, cultural studies, critical race theory, race, racism, and
representation.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Police officers have the capacity to do more than enforce the law and protect citizens.
Depending on how they engage in their role within the community, they have the ability to
reduce the marginalization experienced by members of the public – and arguably in so
doing, not just contribute to justice in Canada – but also to social justice. The purpose of
this course is to improve the communication effectiveness and problem-solving abilities of
anybody taking the course within an ethnically and culturally diverse country.