Intercultural Communication in Theory and Practice

An IATL Interdisciplinary Module

Module Code

IL043 Level 5 (Intermediate)

IL143 Level 6 (Third year/Finalist)

Module Convenors

Dr Thomas Greenaway (Student Opportunity)

Dr Sophie Reissner-Roubicek (Applied Linguistics)

When/Where

Autumn Term

Tues 11:00- 13:00

IAS Seminar Roon

Assessment

Interdisciplinary group project 30%

Discussion of project themes 70%

What is the module about?

This module approaches the theory and practice of intercultural communication in an accessible and interdisciplinary way by drawing on your diverse perspectives and experiences to unpack the complex relationship between communication and culture. It will encourage you to think critically about the ways culture has been conceptualised in research and in society, and understand how the shift from ‘culture-as-given’ to ‘culture-as-construct’ is driving the direction of research (e.g. analysing the more subtle ways we use language to negotiate our cultural identities). You’ll draw on your disciplinary knowledge to explore the role of language at different levels of culture (e.g. occupational culture, departmental culture), as these intersect in a range of professional disciplines (e.g. engineering, medicine, education).The module is delivered in a blended format, with weekly workshops that provide the opportunity to explore how theory operates in practice through the design of experiential learning activities centered around communication at group level and pair level. Reflecting on the patterns of communication you observed in these activities and in project meetings will generate critical insights that will consolidate your learning, which you will be able to demonstrate in the reflective assessment piece. Ultimately, this module gives you the conceptual toolkit to develop an advanced level of intercultural awareness that will support your personal development, academic practice, and future career.

What will the module cover?

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Introduction

Week 2: Conceptualising culture across disciplines

Week 3: Unpacking intercultural communication

Week 4: Language and professional culture

Week 5: Communication practices in teamwork (with guest contribution on teamwork)

Week 6: The critical issue of feedback

Week 7: Intercultural communication and leadership

Week 8: The role of reflective practice in personal development and intercultural training (with guest contribution on personal development)

Week 9: Researching intercultural communication

Week 10: SDA Showcase & Peer Review

Each week students will be encouraged to share reflections on their personal development based on the theories and concepts they have been introduced to.

This is an indicative module outline to indicate the topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

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How will I be assessed?

Interdisciplinary group project 30%

Interdisciplinary group project on the theme of culture and inclusion. Each group will devise the format of their own project and critically explore the theme through their diverse perspectives.

Discussion of project themes 70%

Q&A with module tutors about the project themes. Question topics will be shared in advance of the Q&A (an inclusive practice in line with the thematic focus on inclusion)

See our video 'Demystifying Student Devised Assessments' to learn more about IATL assessment methods.

Consider showcasing and celebrating your work. See our Assessment Exhibition Link opens in a new windowfor inspiration!

What skills will I develop?

You will acquire a vocabulary for culture to explain concepts and issues related to intercultural communication in a nuanced way; you will learn to use appropriate terminology to describe communication, identify micro-level features of communication and analyse patterns of interaction, observe and critically evaluate communication processes, apply models for professional intercultural development, and debrief experiential learning activities.

Transferable skills

You will develop their reflection skills and understand the significance of reflection in consolidating their learning; you will develop their communication skills through reflecting on you own communication in experiential learning activities and articulating what they learned from analysing communication, enhanced teamwork skills through reflecting on the impact of their own communication style on e.g. decision making processes, problem-solving skills through addressing the challenges inherent in teamwork, analytical skills through analysing communication, critical thinking skills through interpreting their analytical observations, professional skills through working inclusively and giving feedback equitably, all of which will contribute to an advanced level of intercultural awareness.

Learning Outcomes

See module catalogue forthe learning outcomes.

Please select: IL043 Level 5 (Intermediate)

IL143 Level 6 (Third year/Finalist)

How to register

Complete our online form to request your place. To request your place complete the IATL online form and select "Intercultural Communication in Theory and Practice"

Once IATL have confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.

LINK TO REGISTER INTEREST