Strategies for Communication in Asia

Subject 110-588 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Arts (Asian Societies) or permission of the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr M Ewing & Assoc Prof A McLaren
Subject Overview: How social relationships form and change is a crucial topic in understanding any society. This subject will focus on communication as a social and political act within diverse Asian societies. Students will be introduced to a range of typical and contested communicative strategies, including cross-cultural engagement with the West. Students will be encouraged to explore the concepts underlying social relationships in Asia, including the Chinese art of guanxi (social relationships), Japanese notions of gift-giving, negotiating tactics in everyday and business contexts, the manipulation of speech styles, the construction of identity through communicative styles in local, national and global contexts, the impact of globalised business and culture on indigenous social relationships, and East-West encounters in the Asian workplace. On completion of this subject students should be able to bring East-West perspectives to an analysis of social relationships within Asian societies and an understanding of how these practices are evolving under the impact of globalisation.
Assessment: One research project presented orally in class and written up as a 1000 essay 20% ( due mid-semester); and one 4000 word essay 80% (due during the exam period).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Critical enquiry and debate with regard to the conceptual frameworks underlying different systems of social relationships;
  • Communicative skills in written and oral presentation and debate;
  • Skills in evaluating empirical data and identifying its conceptual underpinning;
  • Awareness and insight into issues relating to cross-cultural communication.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Asian Societies)

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