The module aims to increase awareness of cultural differences and will explore cultural heritage, prejudices and stereotypes. Intercultural communication (verbal and non-verbal) will be explored across cultures to identify possible barriers which may result in cultural misunderstandings. Other aspects of cultures will be of focus, such as politeness, respect and power, sociocultural norms and etiquette. During the module, students will be encouraged to focus on a specific culture (which can be associated to a language learnt via Language Express) to gain a deeper understanding of both the culture and language combined.
Students will actively participate in independent and collaborative work. It is anticipated that through the range of seminars, students will develop their communication skills to engage effectively while in discussion and negotiation, both in written and in oral form, individually and as part of a team. In addition, students will be expected to read widely on related topics to underpin their credibility as both opinion leaders and as serious academic researchers.
Contact hours: 33
Independent study hours: 117
* Alongside this module, students can also study a language (via Language Express) in the autumn and spring term (40 hours 20 x 2-hour classes) or in the autumn term only (20 hours 10 x 2-hour classes). This is an optional feature and not a compulsory form of the module, there will be no language assessment.
Learning outcomes will be assessed by 100% course work.
Written Project 1500 words (50%)
Learner Journal 1 - - 600 words (25%)
Learner Journal 2 - 600 words (25%)
Culpeper, J.M., Haugh, M. and Kadar, D.Z. eds. (2017). The Palgrave Handbook of Linguistic (Im)Politeness. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Holliday, A., Hyde, M. & Kullman, J. (2010) Intercultural Communication: an advanced resource book for students London: Routledge.
Martin, J.N. & Nakayama, T.K. (2008) Experiencing Intercultural Communication: an introduction New York: McGraw Hill.
Neuliep, J.W. (2011) Intercultural Communication: a contextual approach 5th ed. London: Sage.
Spencer-Oatey, H. (2008) Culturally Speaking: culture communication and politeness theory London: Continuum.
Spencer-Oatey, H. & Franklin, P. (2009) Intercultural Interaction: a multidisciplinary approach to intercultural communication Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
Learning outcomes:
8.1 demonstrate and understanding of communication within and across social groups and in relation to themselves and their own culture.
8.2 identify examples of ethnocentrism and cultural bias to ascertain where potential misunderstandings can occur between cultural groups.
8.3 demonstrate an understanding of cultural differences and in comparison to their own culture and to be able to reflect more objectively and collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment.
8.4 demonstrate a sensitivity to the social, cultural and political issues which surround language.
8.5 identify the influences and impact history has had on both culture and language to gain a deeper understanding of a selected culture and language in their chosen case study.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to
9.1 undertake research on a chosen topic and communicate the results of studies, identify possible issues raised and present coherent arguments to support a thesis/opinion.
9.2 synthesise information and communicate ideas, problems and solutions and their own interpretations of these.
9.3 undertake independent learning to achieve goals and deadlines by selecting and using appropriate library and information technology application and resources.
9.4 reflect upon their own learning experiences demonstrated in individual learner journals and through peer review of a written project, as well as evaluate and respond perceptively to other learner contributions.
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