Leader: Dr Heather Bowe and Dr Farzad Sharifian

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines basic concepts of intercultural communication: face and politeness in language; the relation between cultural values and discourse; cultural variation in speech acts, turn taking rules and formulaic patterns; cultural differences in the organization of written and spoken discourse; and examines theoretical explanations of their interaction in intercultural communication. Case studies drawn from a wide variety of cultures will provide opportunities to examine language use in light of broader cultural, political and social issues such as stereotyping and discriminatory language, cultural expectation and attitudes, cultural awareness training, language reform and policies.

Objectives

On the successful completion of this unit it is expected that students will:

1. be aware of key directions which research has taken in the field of intercultural communication be sensitive to inter-cultural differences in communication patterns and cultural expectations
2. understand the key concepts of face and politeness in language; the relation between cultural values and discourse; cultural variation in speech acts, turn taking rules and formulaic patterns; cultural differences in the organization of written and spoken discourse; and be able to examine their interaction in intercultural communication
3. know what kinds of questions to ask about communication patterns in a culture with which they are not (very) familiar
4. be able to conduct smallscale research in the area of intercultural communication
5. be able to analyze cultural differences in expectations regarding different aspects of communication and identify possible causes of communication breakdown
6. be able to assess evidence supporting different theories and thereby evaluate those theories More generally students are expected to develop their abilities to
7. read and think critically
8. gain experience in the conduct of research
9. use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with language data
10. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing

Assessment

Student presentation and written report (2,500 words equiv.) : 25%
Research essay proposal and essay (4,250 words) : 45%
Take home test (2,500 words) : 25%
Group/On-line discussion (750 words equiv.) : 5%

Contact hours

1 two-hour lecture/seminar

Prohibitions

Either LLC4070 or LLC5070 but not both