LS3IC-Intercultural Communications

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Placement opportunity: Mini placement
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Erhan Aslan
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 c ommunication;


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:

Interactive lectures, group projects, online discussions.

Students may also undertake an academic placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Project output other than dissertation	40
Set exercise	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1) A reflective journal synthesizing assigned class readings and personal experiences (40%)

OR

2) A mini research project on an aspect of intercultural communication and a final report of 1,250-1,500 words (40%).

3) An essay of around 1,500-1,750  (50%).

4) Two online tests (10%)

One piece of assessment worth no more than 40% of the module mark can be replaced by a report produced after an academic placement. The placement must be agreed in advance by the module convenor; the length of the report is to be equivalent to standard departmental practice for coursework.

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 formative feedback opportunities for some assignments. 

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:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021