Trans-Cultural Communication at Work

Subject LING90026 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

Semester 2, 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

On campus



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 2 hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment:

2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours/week.

Prerequisites:

Entry into the Executive Master of Arts, Master of Development Studies(CWT),Master of Islamic Studies, the Master of International Relations, Master of Applied Linguistics or Master of Arts (Asian Societies).

Corequisites:

none

Recommended Background Knowledge:

none

Non Allowed Subjects:

Previously available as Cross-Cultural Communication at Work. Students who have completed Cross-Cultural Communication at Work are not allowed to enrol in this 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/

Coordinator

Dr Celia Thompson, Dr Ikuko Nakane

Contact

Dr Celia Thompson celiat@unimelb.edu.au

Dr Ikuko Nakane inakane@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

One outcome of the globalisation of the Australian job market is the increasing need for trans-cultural communication skills in both the private and public sectors. Trans-cultural communication typically entails interaction in which one or more of the communicators use a second or third language. Successful trans-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 across cultures. This subject will provide students with the tools to achieve successful trans-cultural encounters in professional settings. The delivery of the subject will include lectures with audio-visual materials, discussion sessions to deepen the students' understanding of theories of trans-cultural communication and their practical implications, and assignments that require an application of presented theories to the analysis of trans-cultural communication. Sponsored by the School of Languages and Linguistics and the Faculty of Arts' Asia Institute, this subject will focus on trans-cultural communication at the intersection of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious boundaries. The subject will be taught by sociolinguistic and trans-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.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Developing a sound and theory-based understanding of issues involved in trans-cultural encounters in professional / institutional contexts
  • Developing strategies to enable students to communicate effectively and establish professional relationships in trans-cultural encounters.
  • Developing analytical skills to enable students to address communication problems in trans-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.

Recommended Texts:

none

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 trans-cultural understanding
Related Course(s): Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of International Relations
100 Point Master of Islamic Studies
150 Point Master of Islamic Studies
150 point program - full time over 18 months
200 Point Master of International Relations
200 Point Master of Islamic Studies
200 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 24 months
English Language - 100 Point Program
English Language - 200 Point Program
Language Testing - 100 Point Program
Language Testing - 200 Point Program
TESOL - 100 Point Program
TESOL - 200 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 100 Point Program
Technology in Language Learning - 200 Point Program

Download PDF version.