Intercultural Communication: Theory and Practice

Bachelor 2021/2022

Type: Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)

Area of studies: Linguistics

Delivered by: 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

Full 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

Presentation
Student are supposed to create presentations on the base of the course material.
Group project
The 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.
Tests
The tests are taken online via SMART LMS platform.
Participation in class discussions
If 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 exam
The 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 module
0.12 * 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

Course Syllabus