Demographic imperative -- Technological imperative -- Economic imperative -- Peace imperative -- Interpersonal imperative -- Defining communication -- Characteristics of communication -- Interpersonal communication -- Defining culture for study of communication -- Culture & related terms -- Forces that maintain cultural differences -- Interrelatedness of cultural forces -- Examples of intercultural interactions -- Similarities & differences between communicators -- Definition of intercultural communication -- Intercultural communication & related terms -- Metaphors of United States cultural diversity -- What do you call someone from the U.S.? -- Cultural groups in the U.S. -- Intercultural communication competence -- Components of intercultural competence -- BASICs of intercultural competence -- Description, interpretation & evaluation -- Beliefs -- Values -- Norms -- Social practices -- Functions of cultural patterns -- Overview of cultural patterns -- Use of covert & overt messages --Importance of ingroups & outgroups -- Orientation to time -- Power distance -- Uncertainty avoidance -- Individualism versus collectivism -- Masculinity vs. femininity -- Long-term vs. short-term time orientation -- Indulgence vs. restraint -- Monumentalism vs. self-effacement -- Comparing Hofstede's dimensions -- Power distance -- Uncertainty avoidance -- In-group collectivism -- Institutional collectivism -- Gender egalitarianism -- Assertiveness -- Performance orientation -- Future orientation -- Humane orientation -- Comparing GLOBE dimensions -- Nature of identity -- Formation of cultural identity -- Characteristics of cultural identity -- Social categorizing -- Ethnocentrism -- Stereotyping -- Prejudice -- Discrimination -- Racism -- Features of language -- Rule systems in verbal codes -- Interpretation & intercultural communication.