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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Daniela Standen
Email: d.standen@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 the skills and understanding needed for communicating effectively in a multi-cultural global environment including the university and the workplace.  Intercultural competence and communication will be considered from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including Language Eucation, Film, and Curriculum.  During the course of the module you will tackle questions such as: How do you work successfully in multicultural Teams? Are nationality and identity the same thing? Why do stereotypes exist?

Students will demonstrate their learning, through reflections and critical evaluation of a real-world situation.

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 through consideration of different perspectives and concepts. Students will encounter a range of theories and models of cultural analysis and explore how they relate to real-world situations, developing an ability to critically evaluate 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 intercultural competence and communication.


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


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

Additional outcomes:

• Develop transferrable skills such as group work and discussion skills: conveying information clearly, expressing ideas 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 a global perspective at university and in the workplace.


• Develop an ability to evaluate sources critically.


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

Outline content:

You will explore key concepts and theories relating to intercultural competence and communication as well as how they apply to the real world and your personal life.

Example topics from previous years include:

• What is intercultural competence?


• Intercultural competence: values behaviours and attitudes


• Identity and Nation


• Working in muticultural teams


• Eating the Unfamiliar


• Education and Decolonising the Curriculum


• Why is intercultural communication difficult?


• Representation in Film


• Diversity and Inclusion

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:

Each week students will be expected to watch a pre-recorded lecture and/or engage with reading and other tasks in preparation for the seminar.  Tasks may include watching videos, screencasts or narrated PowerPoints, reading and completing activities as well as contributing to discussion board tasks. Tasks to consolidate learning after the workshop will also require completion. 

Independent study tasks form a central element of this course and include wider direct ed reading, preparation for seminars and group study tasks.

In both terms students will be offered assessment skills workshops.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	6	6
Seminars	15	15
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Wider reading (directed)	15	15
Advance preparation for classes	15	15
Preparation for presentations	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5	5
Group study tasks	9	4
Carry-out research project		15
Reflection	15	15
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Portfolio 50% - Week 11 Spring Term – 1000 – 1200 words

Project 50% - week 7 Spring Term – Options for submission include:

Essay 1000 – 1200 words

Academic Poster

Presentation – 5-8 minutes

Video – 5-8  minutes

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to contribute to weekly review sessions and activities in seminars, with informal feedback. Students will also receive feedback on contributions to discussion board posts and formative submissions of the 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: Colour print of 1 poster in A3 size

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023