Intercultural Effectiveness

Subject UNIB10012 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request 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 of 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/

Contact

Dr Shanton Chang

Phone: 03 8344 1583

Email: shanton.chang@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

There are now unprecedented opportunities for intercultural collaboration to create more responsible social and environmental strategies to address global issues. With transformations in information systems and the internet, these interactions have also become common place on a day to day basis. Therefore, people are interacting with others from different cultures at increasing rates. Hence, developing competency in intercultural interaction becomes critical in a world where graduates are expected to work well across cultures.

This subject will provide students with the opportunity to develop intercultural skills to help them positively meet these challenges. Specifically, students will develop an awareness of how culture influences the way individuals think, feel, act, and acquire knowledge. The subject will also explore how collaborative and pervasive technologies can be effectively harnessed for intercultural interactions. Students will be introduced to how culture can have an impact on various disciplines, including; scientific research, health sciences, business and the performing arts.

This subject is designed to establish a platform for lifelong intercultural learning. It will be particularly useful for students involved in, or planning international experiences such as study abroad or exchange, international students and anyone expecting to work, live and learn in different cultural settings.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to identify the cultural influences affecting interpersonal interactions in a work context
  • understand how culture can impact work behaviour and attitudes amongst colleagues, students, and clients
  • have enhanced abilities associated with multicultural work environments
  • understand the implications and complexities of intercultural communication
  • have developed intercultural communication skills
  • be able to discuss the different international and cultural perspectives that may exist around their chosen discipline area
  • have acquired further knowledge on collaborative and pervasive technologies
Assessment:
  • 40% One individual field work project with written components not exceeding 2000 words in total. All components submitted by Week 8.
  • 20% One individual portfolio presenting (at least 4) topical newspaper articles or media reports on recent issues and topics with written comments of a total of no more than 1500 words. Submitted during the examination period.
  • 30% Collaborative group assignment, using cultural perspectives to explain debates around key issues that face the world currently. Each group (4-5 students) should select a topic/theme, and the written project will be no more than 2500 words in total. Submitted towards end of semester.
  • 10% Tutorial participation. Students must attend and actively participate in at least 80% of classes to be eligible for all assessment.
Prescribed Texts: Reading pack.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should have developed the ability to:
  • examine a complex problem from different perspectives – specifically the ability to conduct analysis using different cultural frameworks
  • formulate and articulate rational arguments through seminar discussions and peer review process
  • apply theory to practice in seminar discussions
  • prepare written reports
  • achieve strong learning outcomes within a collaborative team environment
Notes: This subject had the subject code CULS10004 (800-102) Intercultural Effectiveness, prior to 2011.

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