IL1GICC-Intercultural Competence and Communication

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

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, in the Autumn term it will consider intercultural competence and communication from a range of perspectives, including psychology, education, inclusivity, business, language and discourse, and anthropology. In the Spring term students will apply their knowledge to solve a real-world issue.

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. You will broaden your knowledge of the topic through active engagement with students from multicultural backgrounds.

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


• 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


• Develop the ability to work in a team

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. Students are expected to be pro-active through discussions, completion of tasks, and online activities. 

In the Autumn term the course content will draw on a range of different disciplines e.g psychology, education, inclusivity, business, language and discourse, and anthropology.

In the Spring Term, you will explore a real-world issue choosing from a range of intercultural situations presented to you by employers and educators.  You will draw on the knowledge from the autumn term to research your chosen issue independently.  

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:

In the Autumn Term a Flipped Learning approach is used to deliver content.  Each week students will be expected to watch a pre-recorded lecture and/or engage with reading and other tasks in preparation for a workshop.  Tasks to consolidate learning after the workshop will also be provided.

In the Spring Term, students will work on an independent project and will be supported through group supervisions and whole group workshops.

In both terms s tudents will be offered assessment skills workshops. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	11	5
Project Supervision		2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	12	20
Wider reading (directed)	20
Preparation for presentations	12	13
Preparation for seminars	20	10
Group study tasks	15	10
Carry-out research project		20
Reflection	10	20
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	60
Project output other than dissertation	30
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group Poster Presentation 10% - week 8 Autumn Term

Group Poster 30% - week 8 Spring Term

Reflective Portfolio 60% - Week 11 Spring Term

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have opportunity to participate in quizzes and individual tasks in workshops. Student will also receive feedback on  participation in discussion boards and formative submissions of the Reflective Portfolio.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:

Students will carry forward passing coursework marks, and will be able to resubmit failing coursework tasks.  Students will be provided with alternative assessments, where appropriate.  Submission by 2pm on third Friday in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 16 December 2021