Overview

Is human cognition (the way the mind works) universal? Or do culture and society affect how we see the world? How do we understand (or misunderstand) each other in a multi-cultural society? In this module, you will first learn about important aspects of cognition, such as perception, attention and memory before going on to examine the extent to which cognition is influenced by culture and society.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Provide a thorough grounding in theories and research findings related to intercultural interaction and linguistics.
• Provide a solid foundation in relevant research skills and methods, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Enable students to analyse cross-linguistic features and contexts, and authentic cross-cultural and intercultural discourses using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Enable students to undertake an in-depth study of issues relating to intercultural linguistics.

Learning Experience

Lecture

Core content will be presented during weekly 2-hour lectures.

Seminar

We will meet in a weekly 1-hour small-group seminar to practice and apply course concepts.

Assessment

Essay

Two x 1500 word assignments

Examination

2-hour written examination (50%)

Preparatory Reading

• Matsumoto, D. & Juang, L. (2013). Culture and psychology. Fifth Edition. Cengage