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: 2022/3

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 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 module will consist of 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 module format, class participation and regular attendance of all class members are essent ial to fully benefit from this course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
Fieldwork	50
Guided independent study:	130
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Project output other than dissertation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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


2. A paper of around 2,000-2,500 words on a topic of intercultural communication (70%).

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:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of coursework by 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: 22 September 2022