Key facts

UNE unit code: LING552

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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In an increasingly global social and professional environment, good intercultural communication skills are essential.

This postgraduate unit explores theoretical approaches and practical applications in the study of communication between people of differing cultural backgrounds. Drawing on the discourse approach and using case studies from Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the US, you will examine the nature and development of the communicative styles and practices of diverse cultural groups, and their impact on interpersonal communication within and between groups.

Particular attention will be given to practical strategies for recognising and overcoming intercultural miscommunication, and for improving communication in situations of cultural diversity.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Finex Ndhlovu
Finex NdhlovuAssociate Professor, Language in society/Sociology of language - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of different approaches to studying intercultural communication and know how intercultural interaction can be investigated using linguistic methods;
  2. critically evaluate important issues in theory and methodology of intercultural communication studies, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
  3. examine and assess how cultural values and expectations affect communicative styles;
  4. define and explain frequent causes of intercultural miscommunication;
  5. independently observe and critique how cultural factors can influence writing practices; and
  6. use autonomy and judgement in creating strategies for communicating more effectively across cultures.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Online Assessment NoteYes20%All offerings

No. Words: 1000

Online Quiz 1Yes20%All offerings

No. Words: 1000

Online Quiz 2Yes20%All offerings

No. Words: 1000

Project/ EssayYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 2500

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Intercultural Communication: A Discourse Approach

ISBN: 9780470656402

Scollon, R., Scollon, S.W. and Jones, R.H., Wiley-Blackwell 3rd ed. 2012

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Intercultural Discourse and Communication: The Essential Readings

ISBN: 9780631235446

Kiesling, S.F. and Paulston, C.B. (eds), Wiley-Blackwell 1st ed. 2008

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

Communication Across Cultures: Mutual Understanding in a Global World

ISBN: 9781107685147

Bowe, H. and Martin, K., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2014

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication

ISBN: 9781138481619

Jackson, J., Routledge 2nd ed. 2019

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

Cross-Cultural Pragmatics

ISBN: 9783110177695

Wierzbicka, A., De Gruyter 2nd ed. 2003

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

The Language and Intercultural Communication Reader

ISBN: 9780415549134

Hua, Z., Routledge 1st ed. 2011

Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)

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