Intercultural Communications
Unit code: SHAC213
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Teaching Period |
| Contact hours | 8 contact hours per week |
| Campus | Online |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
| Corequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
This unit if offered as part of Swinburne Online programs.Aims and objectives
This unit is designed to ensure that students are better prepared to communicate in the increasingly multicultural workforce. This is achieved by introducing students to the conceptual and practical dimensions of intercultural communications, using real-world examples to illustrate the complexities of the field.Teaching methods
This unit is delivered fully online based around a model of participatory online learning.
Assessment
Tutorial Participation 10%Intercultural Research Report 35%
Group Presentation 15%
Cultural Self-assessment 40%
Generic skills outcomes
Students will develop their ability to:
- Undertake independent research.
- Evaluate contrasting communications practices.
- Work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
Content
The unit will provide students with practical techniques for communicating in a multicultural environment, contextualised within contemporary communications theory. By exploring how culture affects communications in a variety of social and business contexts, the unit will investigate how sometimes subtle cultural practices can have a significant impact on personal and professional relations. Specific topics to be addressed include:
- Perceiving the nature of cultural diversity
- Cultures and microcultures
- World views and their impact on communications
- Understanding intercultural communication and nonverbal messages
- Intercultural Communications and group dynamics
- Dealing with conflict in intercultural communications
- Processes of cultural adaptation
- Key techniques for effective communications
- Technology and its impact on intercultural communications
