Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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 their interaction in intercultural communication in the global context. 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 sensitive to inter-cultural differences in communication patterns and cultural expectations
2. know what kinds of questions to ask about communication patterns in a culture with which they are not (very) familiar
3. be able to analyze what goes wrong in communication breakdown
4. have encountered examples of inter-cultural communication
5. assess evidence supporting different theories and thereby evaluate those theories.

6. read and think critically
7. use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with language data
8. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

Assessment

Written assignments (3250 words): 75%
Exam (1000 words equivalent): 20% +
Class/on-line participation (250 words equivalent): 5%

Third-year students will be invited to show a greater degree of theoretical sophistication in their assignments.

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial, or, one 2-hour seminar, per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Linguistics
Indonesian studies
Communications
Anthropology

Prohibitions

LIN2470, LIN3470, LIN2160, LLC2160, LLC3160