LSMIC-Intercultural Communication

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: erhan.aslan@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module, students will explore how people of different discourse systems or groups communicate with one another in various face-to-face and digitally-mediated contexts. Specifically, students will gain an understanding of how assumptions and values that have been constructed or adopted within a specific culture group influence the ways in which people successfully communicate with each other as well as experience miscommunication. Students will become familiar with a variety of topics in intercultural communication as they engage in hands-on analyses of intercultural encounters.

Aims:

The aim of this module is three-fold: First, students will be provided with a range of theoretical and methodological tools used in intercultural communication. Second, the module will enable students to use these tools to analyse and reflect critically on their own intercultural communication encounters and observe those of others. Third, students will apply their findings and observations to broader issues related to intercultural communication.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1)    describe and explain different theories in intercultural communication and spoken discourse as well as methods used in language analysis such as discourse analysis and conversation analysis;

2)    collect and analyse authentic texts, conversations and social behaviours in various face-to-face and/or virtual professional contexts and connect findings to the relevant theories in intercultural communication;

3)    discuss the impact of intercultural communication on globalisation, interpersonal relationships in different contexts, ideology and identity construction across communities and social networks;

4)    differentiate between face-to-face and online communication patterns in intercultural exchanges in both personal and professional encounters.

Additional outcomes:

The module will enable students to increase their awareness of the differences across cultures as they relate to communication. Students will also become familiar with different modes of communication and be able to reflect and talk about their own face-to-face and online interactions with people of their own and other cultures.

Outline content:

Intercultural communication; face-to-face communication; technology-mediated communication; face systems; speech acts; conversational styles; discourse systems; power; (in)directness; politeness; appropriateness; theories; discourse analysis; conversation analysis; globalisation; interpersonal relationships; professional communication; identity and ideology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This course will follow a back-to-back lecture and seminar sessions. It will rely heavily on class interaction and the active participation of class members in discussions and activities. Lecture and seminar activities in class will give you several opportunities to understand key concepts in intercultural communication and make links between theory and practical situations. Given the interactive nature of the course format, class participation and regular attendance of all class members are essential to fully benefit from this course.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1) A reflective journal synthesizing assigned class readings and personal experiences (30%)

2) A mini research project on an aspect of intercultural communication and a final report of 1,250-1,500 words (30%).

3) A paper of around 2,000-2,500 words on a topic of intercultural communication (40%).

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive on-going feedback from the instructor and from other students in the form of comments during class and online discussions. There will also be in-class and online tasks or quizzes which will formatively assess learned knowledge and skills.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 September 2019