Cross-Cultural Communication at Work

Subject LING90026 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 contact hours
Total Time Commitment: The equivalent of 24 contact hours plus 16 additional hours per week.
Prerequisites: Entry into the Executive Master of Arts, Master of Development Studies(CWT),Master of Islamic Studies, the Master of International Relations or Master of Arts (Asian Societies). None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Barbara Kelly, Dr Ikuko Nakane

Contact

Dr. Ikuko Nakane - inakane@unimelb.edu.au
Dr Barbara Kelly - b.kelly@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

One outcome of the globalisation of the Australian job market is the increasing need for cross-cultural communication skills in both the private and public sectors. Cross-cultural communication typically entails interaction in which one or more of the communicators use a second or third language. Successful cross-cultural communication requires not only a shared language but also strong intercultural awareness and skills. These include verbal skills such as how and when to use speech and silence as well as non-verbal skills knowing how and when gaze, gesture and body posture may differ cross-culturally. This subject will provide students with the tools to achieve successful cross-cultural encounters in professional settings. The delivery of the subject will include lectures with audio-visual materials. discussion sessions to deepen the students&rsquo. understanding of theories of cross-cultural communication and their practical implications. and assignments that require an application of presented theories to the analysis of cross-cultural communication. Sponsored by the Faculty of Arts&rsquo. Asia Institute and School of Languages and Linguistics, this subject will focus on cross-cultural communication at the intersection of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The subject will be taught by sociolinguistic and cross-cultural communication experts whose expertise ranges from multi-cultural and Aboriginal Australia, to Asia, the Middle East, Northern and Southern Europe, and the South Pacific.

Objectives:
  • Developing a sound and theory-based understanding of issues involved in cross-cultural encounters in professional / institutional contexts
  • Developing strategies to enable students to communicate effectively and establish professional relationships in cross-cultural encounters.
  • Developing analytical skills to enable students to address communication problems in cross-cultural encounters
Assessment: Written work totalling 5000 words comprising two 1500 word research papers 30% each (one due mid-semester and one due at the end of semester), a theoretical essay or data collection project of 2000 words 40% (to be completed at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:

A Reading Pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Applying research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
  • Communicating oral and written arguments and ideas effectively
  • Developing cross-cultural understanding
Related Course(s): Master of International Relations
Master of Islamic Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 200 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 24 months

Download PDF version.