Future Students - Courses

Intercultural Communications

Unit Code: HAC213

Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
1 Semester	36 hours	Hawthorn	Nil	Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Arts , Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) , Bachelor of Social Science , Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Multimedia (Media Studies)

Aims & Objectives:

This unit is designed to ensure that students are better prepared to communicate in the increasingly multicultural workforce. This is achieved by introducing students to the conceptual and practical dimensions of intercultural communications, using real-world examples to illustrate the complexities of the field.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment:

Tutorial Exercises 10% Comparative Portfolio 25% Intercultural Research Assignment 35% Group Presentation 30%

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students will develop their ability to:

Undertake independent research.
Evaluate contrasting communications practices.
Work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

Content:

The unit will provide students with practical techniques for communicating in a multicultural environment, contextualised within contemporary communications theory. By exploring how culture affects communications in a variety of social and business contexts, the unit will investigate how sometimes subtle cultural practices can have a significant impact on personal and professional relations. Specific topics to be addressed include:

Perceiving the nature of cultural diversity
Cultures and microcultures
World views and their impact on communications
Understanding intercultural communication and nonverbal messages
Intercultural Communications and group dynamics
Dealing with conflict in intercultural communications
Processes of cultural adaptation
Key techniques for effective communications
Technology and its impact on intercultural communications

Textbooks:

Text Book:
Samovar, L.A., Porter, R. E. And McDaniel, E.R (2007), Communicating Between Cultures (6th Edition), Belmont: Thompson

Recommended Reading:

Further Reading:
Bennett, J.M. (1993). Cultural marginality: Identity issues in intercultural training. In M.R. Paige (Ed.), Education for the intercultural experience. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.
Brislin, R. (1981), Cross-Cultural Encounters. USA: Pergamon, 1981
Gudykunst, W.B., & Kim, Y.Y. (2003). Communicating with strangers: An approach to intercultural communication (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Scollon R. & Wong-Scollon, S. (1996) Intercultural Communication. London: Basil Blackwell.
Samovar, Larry & Porter, R. (1992) Intercultural Communication: A Reader. USA: Wadsworth,