LN115
Intercultural Communication and Management
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Hua Xiang PEL.6.01b and Dr Neil Mclean 20KSW.G.07
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in International Relations and Chinese. This course is available on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society. This course is not available as an outside option nor to General Course students.
This course is capped.
Pre-requisites
No pre-requisite required.
Course content
The course will cover the main theories and concepts involved in inter-cultural communication, such as: face, politeness, (im)politeness, speech acts and pragmatics. It explains and analyses how theories and concepts about the above phenomena apply in real life, in business and in political communications. A range of case studies will be presented in the course. These demonstrate how linguistic and communication strategies can be used effectively in different interactional contexts.
Some important themes and areas include:
- The intercultural challenge, such as the importance of intercultural communication, barriers to intercultural communication, and how to deal with difference
- Understanding of culture and cultural dimensions, such as various theories of culture, socialisation and its role in the acquisition of language, non-verbal communication, communication styles and relativity as explored through concepts such as time, space, distance, as well as role performance and speech acts, such as apologies, giving compliments and showing gratitude
- Pragmatics and how language use should be and/or could be applied in a comparative cultural context
- Case studies of miscommunication across cultures and research on cultural difference
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the MT. 10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the LT.
Two hours per week, featuring: (a) one hour lectures on a range of concepts and themes; (b) one hour classes; (c) student presentations; (d) tutorials. Structured activities will take place in the Week 6 Reading Week of the Michaelmas Term and the Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay and 1 case study in the MT and 1 presentation and 1 project in the LT.
Short essay, case study analysis, presentation, and a project analysing a case of language use.
Indicative reading
Bowe, Heather, Martin Kylie and Manns Howards (2014). Communication across Cultures. Mutual Understanding in a Global World, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
Mooney, Annabelle et al (2010). Language, Society and Power. An Introduction, 3rd ed., London: Routledge
Scollon, Ron and Scollon Suzanne Wong (2001). Intercultural Communication, 2rd ed, Blackwell Publishing
van Dijk, Teun A. (2009). Society and Discourse. How Social Contexts Influence Text and Talk, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Yule, George (2010). The Study of Language, 4th ed., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Chapters from:
Wodak, Ruth, Barbara Johnstone & Paul Kerswill (eds) (2011). The Sage Handbook of Sociolinguistics, London: Sage
Spencer – Oatey, Helen (2008). Culturally speaking: Culture, communication and politeness theory (2 nd edition ). London & New York, Continuum
Assessment
Coursework (60%) in the MT and LT.
Project (40%) in the LT.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Language Centre
Total students 2020/21: 23
Average class size 2020/21: 11
Capped 2020/21: Yes (30)
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills