Bachelor
2021/2022
Intercultural Communication: Theory and Practice
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Area of studies:
Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
3 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Михеева Наталья Дмитриевна,
Alina Budnikova,
Red Bushetara,
Irina I. Chironova,
Kamilla Chotсhaeva,
Elena Lutkova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
74
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course bases itself upon the knowledge and skills acquired by the students in the course “English language” during their first and second years at the university. The minimal level of English is Intermediate while for deeper understanding of theoretical foundations of cross-cultural communication Upper-Intermediate level is advisable. Though there are no specific prerequisites as far as the students’ academic background is concerned, knowledge in the areas of British and American cultures, social science theory, psychology and human communication is welcome.
Learning Objectives
- The main goal of the course is to study the basic conceptual and practical dimensions of intercultural communication in social and business interactions, as well as its theoretical foundations at the cross-cultural level. The course explores basic psychological and cultural concepts that explain cultural differences between people. Accomplishment of this goal will contribute to the increased level of intercultural sensitivity and help develop skills necessary for the communication in multicultural environments.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- to analyze how cultures create the worldviews and to study the peculiarities of national verbal and non-verbal behavour
- to consider various types of corporate culture and intercultural conflicts in the workplace
- to develop an understanding of intercultural communication competence
- to explore the fundamental types of cultures and corresponding behaviour types
- to explore the interaction of language and culture, as well as the role of vocabulary as a keeper of cultural information
- to learn about different communication styles and to try out different styles and techniques
Course Contents
- Topic 1. Introduction to intercultural communication. Intercultural communication theories and concepts: Edward Hall.
- Topic 2. Intercultural communication theories and concepts: Geert Hofstede.
- Topic 3. Intercultural communication theories and concepts: Richard D. Lewis.
- Topic 4. Cognitive aspects of cross-cultural communication
- Topic 5. Linguistic aspects of cross-cultural communication
- Topic 6. Ontological and psychological aspects of cross-cultural communication
- Topic 7. Social aspects of cross-cultural communication
- Topic 8. Nonverbal communication: Antropology of space
- Topic 9. Intercultural barriers and conflicts
- Topic 10. Intercultural communication and communication styles
Assessment Elements
- PresentationStudent are supposed to create presentations on the base of the course material.
- Group projectThe task is to find out to what extent designers of websites / brand’s commercials / facebook profiles, etc. take into consideration the impact of culture on the content of web-based communication. What cultural values are promoted through these products? Analyze images used, the balance between images and text, navigation style and other cultural insights.
- TestsThe tests are taken online via SMART LMS platform.
- Participation in class discussionsIf a seminar is held online, class participation is graded under the condition that a student keeps their camera on. Online participation via chat only is worth 1 point maximum.
- Business communication
- Written examThe main goal of exam assessment is threefold: (1) to control the knowledge of data and factual evidence (2) to assess the skills of critical thinking, abilities to take a new look at and interpret well known facts, intellectualize and speculate about main problems covered by the course (3) to assess the use of English.
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 2nd module0.12 * Tests + 0.1 * Participation in class discussions + 0.08 * Presentation + 0.3 * Business communication + 0.1 * Group project + 0.3 * Written exam
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Breugelmans, S. M., Chasiotis, A., & Vijver, F. J. R. van de. (2011). Fundamental Questions in Cross-Cultural Psychology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=366256
- Cultures and Organizations, Software of the mind. Intercultural Cooperation and Its Importance for survival. (2010). McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.library.wur.nl.wurpubs.392270
- Hofstede, G.J. Exploring Culture: Exercises, Stories and Synthetic Cultures / Gert Jan Hofstede, Paul B. Pedersen, Geert H. Hofstede. – Yarmouth: Intercultural Press Inc, 2002. – 234 p. – ISBN 9781877864902. - Текст: электронный // DB Books 24x7 [сайт]. – URL: https://library.books24x7.com/toc.aspx?bookid=6723
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Alistair Brisbourne. (2013). Intercultural Communication: A New Approach to International Relations and Global Challenges by Houman A. Sadri and Madelyn Flammia . London : Continuum , 2011 . 317pp., £22.99, ISBN 9781441103093. Political Studies Review, (1), 101. https://doi.org/10.1111/10.1111/psr.2013.11.issue-1
- Chen, G.-M., & Dai, X. (2014). Intercultural Communication Competence : Conceptualization and Its Development in Cultural Contexts and Interactions. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=772084
- Ferri, G. (2018). Intercultural Communication : Critical Approaches and Future Challenges. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1709221