IL2GICC-Intercultural Competence and Communication

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IL1GICC Intercultural Competence and Communication
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Lucy Watson
Email: l.a.watson@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Ms Joan McCormack
Email: j.c.mccormack@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module students develop skills and understanding needed for working in the multi-cultural global workplace. In the Autumn term it will consider intercultural competence and communication from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including psychology, education, inclusivity, business, language and discourse. In the Spring term students will identify a real-world issue, learning  to analyse and  critically evaluate the issue identified, applying concepts studied on the course.

The module will be delivered at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus

Aims:

The aim of this module is to equip students’ with the theoretical and analytical tools to develop awareness and understanding of intercultural competence and communication. Students will encounter different theories and models of cultural analysis and explore how they relate to real-world situations and developing an ability to critically evaluate the situations. Students will also reflect on the development of their own intercultural competence.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate different concepts, models and theories of cultural intercultural competence and communication


2. Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner, with effective analysis and evaluation from more than one perspective


3. Evaluate different viewpoints and bring insights from a range of topics to support your argument.


4. Articulate how this module has developed your ability to critically reflect upon your own cultural values and how these contribute to your world view and influence your response to other people.

Additional outcomes:

• Develop transferrable skills such as group work and discussion skills: conveying information clearly, expressing and seeking opinions, listening attentively, and responding appropriately to others.


• Develop increased personal effectiveness, self-confidence and efficacy in working independently and in groups.


• Reflect and share experiences of interacting with students from other cultures.


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


• Develop an ability to evaluate digital and paper sources.


• Develop digital competence skills through the search and use of relevant digital resources.

Outline content:

The autumn term and the first half of the spring term will consist of lectures and workshops covering key concepts and theories relating to intercultural competence and communication from a range of disciplinary perspectives. 

The second half of the spring Term is dedicated to an independent project where you will identify a real-world issue to explore.  You will draw on concepts from the autumn term to analyse and the issue and, if appropriate, propose solutions.  

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:

A Flipped Learning approach is used to deliver lecture 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 may include watching videos, screencasts or narrated PowerPoints, reading, completing activities and participating in discussion boards. Tasks to consolidate learning after the workshop will also require completion. This part of the module is co-taught with IL1GICC.

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

Independent study tasks form a central element of this course and include wider directed reading, preparation for seminars and group study tasks.  All tasks and related information are displayed on Blackboard.

In both terms students will be offered assessment skills workshops.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	3
Seminars	17	12.5
Project Supervision		1.5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	13	17
Wider reading (directed)	15
Preparation for presentations	10	10
Preparation for seminars	20	10
Group study tasks	10	6
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	30
Project output other than dissertation	60
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group Presentation 10% - week 8 Autumn Term –a one page information poster and 5 minutes presentation per group

Reflective Portfolio 30% - Week 5 Spring Term – 600-800 words

Project 60% - week 11 Spring Term – a one- page academic poster, and a literature review summary of 800-1000 words.

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 board posts 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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: 17 October 2022