This course introduces students to key concepts in Intercultural Communication and Intercultural Studies, in order that they can better understand diverse multicultural environments and their own reactions to them, developing intercultural literacy in the process. After introducing key theories, it then asks students to examine case studies of intercultural communication drawn from texts (e.g. travel writing or a novel or film) and real life, prepare an interview, and consider how cultures and people are represented and the ethics of such representation. Students learn to reflect on their own cultural assumptions, understand ethical issues, and communicate with an awareness of diverse audiences, developing high-value competencies for international, public sector, and third-sector careers.

20 x 1 hour sessions or 10 x 2 hour sessions as scheduled on MyCampus.

Tuesday 1-2 and Thursday 1-2

Monday 10-12

Wednesday 1-3

All classes will incorporate some tutor-led elements as well as student-led elements and discussion.

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Individual Presentation - 7 minutes - 20% corresponds to ILOs 1, 2, 3, 5 (can be submitted as a recording)

■ Interview Plan - 1000 words - 30% corresponds to ILOs 1, 3, 4, 5

■ Reflective Commentary - 1500 words - 50% corresponds to ILOs 1, 2, 3, 5

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ Recorded presentation as alternative to presentation.

■ There is no alternative to the plan or commentary, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

■ Familiarise students with key theories of intercultural practices

■ Develop students' analytical skills in apply in theoretical concepts to cultural texts

■ Foster students' skillset in evaluating real-life situations through a theoretical lens

■ Introduce students to research design skills (e.g. ethical considerations, planning questions, listening, analysis) needed for interviewing.

■ Equip students with communication skills to share their analyses of intercultural practices orally and in writing.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Reflect critically on issues of cultural difference

■ Examine intercultural situations in texts and real-life experience using relevant intercultural theories

■ Assess how culture-specific practices impact communication in relation to a text or real-life experience

■ Formulate interview questions that display awareness of the ethical questions around interviewing

■ Share their analyses of intercultural practices effectively orally and in writing