IL1GICC-Intercultural Competence and Communication

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Ms Joan McCormack

Email: j.c.mccormack@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at students who are keen to develop the skills they will need for working in the multi-cultural global workplace. The module will be delivered at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus. Drawing on expertise from Schools across the university, it  will consider intercultural competence and communication from a range of perspectives, including psychology, education, inclusivity, law and sociology. 

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop students’ awareness and understanding of intercultural competence and communication through considering different theories and models of cultural analysis, and investigating the concepts related to intercultural competence. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Analyse and compare models of cultural interactions and intercultural competence 


2. Demonstrate awareness of and reflect upon your own cultural values and how these contribute to your world view and influence your response to other people 


3. Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner


4. Elaborate information from a range of sources

Additional outcomes:

• Development of independent learning skill 


• Opportunity to work in groups and develop team working skills


• Reflect and share experiences of interacting with students from another culture 


• Develop an awareness of the importance of a global perspective at university and in the workplace

Outline content:

You will be asked to examine your own cultural values and beliefs and how they shape your interactions with other people. This is particularly relevant in the globalised world in which we live, where employers expect individuals to work effectively in multi-cultural groups, in virtual teams as well as face to face. Each session will consist of an hour of input, followed by workshop style activities, with independent reading outside. Students are expected to be proactive through discussions, c ompletions of tasks, and online activities.  The course content will draw on a range of different disciplines e.g. law, management, sociology, education, language and discourse, film and media and psychology.

Global context:

The nature of the module is global, as the focus is on the development of cross cultural understanding, as well as intercultural competence. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course consists of 10 sessions, each two hours in length. The first hour will be mainly input, e.g. lectures videos, followed by a workshop style session in the second hour. Students will be required to do guided and some independent reading in preparation for some of the sessions. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		30
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Group study tasks		5
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	60
Set exercise	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentation of 15 – 20 minutes in Week 8 of term, working in groups of 4 – 5.

Reflective statement to be submitted in Week 10, of around 450 words

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have opportunity to participate in quizzes and individual tasks in workshops. Student will also receive feedback on uploaded reflective comments.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Presentation to be delivered in August/September, and reflective statement.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

N/A

Last updated: 4 April 2020