ALC8001 : The Social Psychology of Communication
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Alina Schartner
- Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Social psychology views individuals as inherently social beings, whose thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours are shaped by their social environment. Communication is central to this relationship between self and society.
This module introduces students to key social psychological frameworks and models to explain how and why people communicate in the ways they do. The module explores how social, situational, and structural factors influence communication across diverse contexts, including intercultural, intergenerational, and institutional settings. Students will engage with theories such as Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) to understand processes of identity negotiation, intergroup relations, and adaptation. Contemporary issues, including migration, multilingualism, digital interaction, and healthcare communication, are examined through empirical research and case studies, enabling students to critically apply theory to real-world challenges in an increasingly diverse and globalised world.
Outline Of Syllabus
Week 1 Introduction: Social psychology of communication in a diverse world
- Outline module structure, assessments, and expectations.
- Explain why social psychology matters for understanding individuals as social beings.
- Introduce the link between social environment, identity, and communication.
Week 2 Theoretical foundations: Social Identity Theory (SIT), Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT)
- Explore SIT and CAT as foundational theories.
- Discuss how group membership and accommodation strategies shape interaction.
- Apply these theories to intercultural and multilingual communicative encounters.
Week 3 Attitudes, motivation & cognition in communication
- Examine how attitudes and stereotypes influence communication.
- Discuss motivational factors (e.g., need for belonging, uncertainty reduction).
- Introduce cognitive processes in message interpretation and bias.
Week 4 Identity negotiation & intergroup relations
- Discuss identity negotiation in intercultural encounters.
- Explore intergroup bias and prejudice.
Week 5 Personality, cultural intelligence and adaptability
- Explore personality traits and Cultural Intelligence (CQ).
- Discuss adaptability and metacognitive strategies for intercultural effectiveness.
Week 6 Nonverbal and multimodal communication
- Examine nonverbal cues across cultures (e.g., gestures, gaze, proxemics).
- Explore digital paralanguage (emoji, GIFs) and pragmatic variation.
- Discuss accommodation and miscommunication risks.
Week 7 Multilingualism and attitudes to language varieties
- Explore how attitudes toward different language varieties shape communication and social identity.
- Examine the role of language ideologies in intergroup relations, status, and power.
Week 8 Migration, mobility and intercultural adjustment
- Apply acculturation and adaptation theories to migration contexts.
- Discuss wellbeing and communication challenges for newcomers.
Weeks 9–11: Case study series block - intergroup relations in context
Week 9 Case Study 1: Immigration and intergroup contact
- Examine how immigration shapes intergroup relations in host societies.
- Explore communication challenges between newcomers and host communities.
- Apply SIT, CAT, and acculturation models to real-world scenarios.
- Understand how attitudes, stereotypes, and identity negotiation influence integration.
- Explore empirical research on intercultural adaptation.
- Discuss policy and media discourse as structural factors affecting communication.
Week 10 Case Study 2: Intergenerational encounters
- Discuss communication between age groups in multicultural contexts.
- Consider how language choices and values create intergroup tensions or solidarity.
- Apply social psychological models to explain age-based identity salience.
- Explore accommodation strategies in family, workplace, and community settings.
- Discuss implications for wellbeing, inclusion, and social cohesion.
Week 11 Case Study 3: Healthcare settings
- Discuss intergroup relations in healthcare encounters
- Examine how language, identity, and power dynamics affect communication and care outcomes.
- Apply SIT and CAT to explain challenges in intercultural healthcare communication.
- Explore attitudes toward linguistic and cultural diversity in medical contexts.
- Discuss strategies for reducing bias and improving patient-centred communication.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Students prepare and complete the written individual assignment. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Lectures introduce key theories and examples from empirical research. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Students will work independently in groups to prepare the group assignment and poster presentation. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Students will read one piece of essential reading associated with each lecture. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 36:00 | 36:00 | Students identify and read relevant literature independently. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The teaching and learning strategy for this module is designed to support students in achieving the intended knowledge and skills outcomes through a combination of scheduled lectures, structured activities, and guided independent study. The approach reflects the module’s emphasis on applying social psychological frameworks to real-world communication challenges and developing critical, reflective, and collaborative skills. Lectures provide the conceptual foundation for the module by introducing key social psychological theories (e.g., Social Identity Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory) and illustrating their application through empirical research and contemporary case studies. These sessions establish the theoretical and analytical tools students will use throughout the module. Additionally, students engage in structured reading and research activities linked to each lecture. Essential readings are selected to deepen understanding of core concepts and expose students to current debates and empirical evidence. These activities encourage critical engagement with literature and prepare students for group discussions and assessments.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 1 | M | 20 | Working in small groups, students will design an academic poster that visually communicates how social psychological frameworks help explain intergroup communication. Students will also record a short (5 min) presentation of the poster. |
| Written exercise | 1 | A | 80 | Students will create a simulated communication scenario using an AI tool (e.g., Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot Chat) and then critically analyse the interaction using social psychological frameworks and relevant literature (2,500 words). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessments for this module are designed to align closely with the module's aims and intended learning outcomes. They encourage students to apply social psychological frameworks to real-world communication challenges while developing critical thinking, research literacy, and digital skills relevant to contemporary professional contexts.
Assessment 1: Group poster and presentation
This collaborative assessment is designed to develop students’ ability to synthesise complex ideas and communicate them effectively through visual and oral formats. Working in small groups, students will design a poster or infographic that illustrates how social psychological frameworks (e.g., Social Identity Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory) help explain intergroup communication in a chosen context. The poster must integrate theoretical concepts, empirical evidence, and practical implications, while making use of AI tools to enhance design and visualisation. Through this task, students demonstrate their capacity to present knowledge concisely and creatively, collaborate effectively, and reflect on the role of technology in communication. The inclusion of AI supports the development of digital competence and ethical awareness in relation to the use of AI, ensuring students are prepared for technology-mediated professional environments.
Assessment 2: Individual written assignment (AI-enhanced scenario analysis)
This assessment requires students to create a simulated communication scenario using an AI tool and then critically analyse it through social psychological frameworks such as Social Identity Theory and Communication Accommodation Theory. The task is designed to encourage students to apply theoretical models to interpret intergroup communication dynamics, integrate empirical literature to support their analysis, and reflect on the role of technology in shaping communication. In addition, the assignment promotes ethical and reflective use of AI. This not only supports the development of academic skills but also prepares students for future professional contexts where digital literacy and critical thinking about technology are essential.
Both assessments mirror real-world professional practices (e.g., scenario analysis, visual communication). They map directly onto module aims by linking theory to practice and exploring how social, situational, and structural factors affect communication. Finally, they embed AI literacy, an essential skill for graduates entering diverse, technology-mediated workplaces.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ALC8001's Timetable