Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module EDUC41730: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Department: Education

EDUC41730: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap
Tied to X3K907
Tied to X3K807

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Students will gain a critical understanding of the theories, approaches, concepts and practices of intercultural communication in the contemporary world, including engaging with people from other horizons..

Content

  • The following topics are covered in the module: intercultural communication as embodied in communication, culture, context, globalisation and power; identity (and all its complexities); stereotyping, prejudice and ethnocentricity; nonverbal communication, intercultural transitions (migration, study abroad); relationality; intercultural conflict; intercultural competence; language and intercultural communication; multilingualism.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • demonstrate critical understanding of theories, approaches, and practices of intercultural communication.
  • demonstrate critical understanding and application of these theories, approaches, and practices to intercultural communication phenomena in the contemporary world.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • identify and critically evaluate scholarly research within the field of intercultural communication
  • articulate and employ key terminology/concepts in the field of intercultural communication
  • identify and critically consider problems, issues, challenges and implications for intercultural communication
  • communicate effectively, orally and in writing, within an intercultural setting.
Key Skills:
  • work on ideas and issues independently and as part a group
  • communicate and present ideas effectively through class presentation and writing
  • engage reflectively and critically with research-based literatures
  • search for and summarise/review key research literature
  • apply knowledge and learning to empirical examples and research .

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching will be in the form of eight 3-hour workshops that combine a lecture-style tutor-input approach with seminar discussion and group work. During workshops, the tutor will present some of the key theories, concepts, debates, approaches and practices of intercultural communication through a series of key topics. Students are expected to engage with the themes and issues covered through interaction and critical discussion, student presentations of the literature, and group work activities.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop 8 3 hours 24
Preparation and Reading 276
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 5000 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

Verbal feedback is given to students' contribution during class teaching sessions. Written formative feedback is provided for the academic outline of the essay.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University