ALC2011 : Language and Cross Cultural Communication
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Alina Schartner
- Lecturer: Dr Adam Brandt, Dr Sara Ganassin
- Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The module provides an introduction to language and cross-cultural communication. Specific module aims include:
To introduce key topic areas in the study of cross-cultural communication
To engender an understanding of basic cross-cultural communication terms and concepts, including ‘unpacking’ notions such as culture, language and communication
To develop an understanding of the socio-cultural processes underlying language use and language behaviour of the individual
To raise awareness of one’s own and others’ cultural values; and ways in which these can influence patterns of communication and relationships
To enable students to describe perceived obstacles to ‘successful’ cross-cultural communication
To enable comprehension of key theoretical frameworks that describe communication between culturally heterogeneous individuals and groups
To engender a level of criticality regarding existing literature on cross-cultural communication
Outline Of Syllabus
Week 1: Why study language and intercultural communication (ICC)?
Introduction to module aims and assessment; Explaining of key concepts
Week 2: The history of the study of language and ICC
Overview of various approaches to the study of ICC
Week 3: Culture and the primary socialisation process
Discussion of functions and dimensions of ‘culture’ and its role in ICC
Week 4: Language, communication, culture and power
Discussion of the relationships between language, communication, culture and power
Week 5: Language and nonverbal communication
Discussion of the relationships between verbal and nonverbal communication and the role of ‘culture’ in nonverbal communication
Week 6: Language and identity in ICC
Discussion of multiple dimensions of identity and their role in ICC
Week 7: Ethnocentrism and ‘othering’
Discussions of barriers to ICC
Week 8: Intercultural transitions across contexts
Discussion of processes involved in intercultural transitions (e.g. adjustment, adaptation, ‘culture shock’)
Week 9: Intercultural interpersonal relationships
Discussion of dimensions of intercultural interpersonal relationships
Week 10: Language and ICC in the global workplace
Discussion of the role of language, culture and power in the globalised workplace
Week 11: Drop-in session: Module conclusion and Q&A
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 78:00 | 78:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide an introduction to the weekly content, establish a basic level of understanding of the topic, provide opportunities for discussion, and signal areas for individual further study and essential and further reading.
Seminars offer an opportunity for further exploration, discussion, and personal reflection, through small group activities. Seminar activities are often linked to post-lecture reading.
Structured Guided Learning activities provide students with weekly opportunities to consolidate learning through guided tasks linked to the weekly topic.
Independent study will enable wider reading, further personal self-reflection and assignment preparation.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 30 | Reflective diary account (1,000 words) |
| Essay | 2 | A | 70 | 2,500 words. Students to choose from a set range of essay questions. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Study skills, and other relevant knowledge and skills, will be assessed through the reflective diary journal. Critical understanding of relevant theory will be assessed through the end of module essay.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ALC2011's Timetable