Autumn semester

Component(s) of Assessment	Method(s)	Percentage Weighting
4,000- 5,000 word essay	Coursework	100%

Criterion	Weighting
Quality and originality of research	25%
Grasp of theoretical tools	25%
Analytical rigour and coherence of argument	25%
Knowledge/Use of secondary sources	10%
Presentation/Style	5%

None

This module aims to develop insights into the complexities of the inter-relationship between linguistic, cultural and psychological signals. The module will develop an increased awareness of communication as both a deliberate and an involuntary activity.

On successful completion of the module, students will achieve the following outcomes:

SUBJECT-SPECIFIC

• An understanding of the relationships between language and culture
• An ability to analyse communication into its different components
• An ability to define expectations to reciprocal behaviour in negotiations
• An understanding of the relationship between culturally embedded customs and psychological realities
• Through case studies – providing examples of communication problems in inter-cultural business negotiations – attain an ability to assess potential ‘high risk’ areas of common modes of interaction

GENERAL

• Develop an awareness of the multi-level constituents of linguistic, cultural and psychological signalling in communication.
• Formulate ways in which communication problems can be analysed, broken down and anticipated in various social situations.
• Be able to relate cultural aspects of human interaction to the ideal notion of the transfer of factual information, both in inter-lingual and intra-lingual communication

The following topics will be covered: 

• The analysis and interpretation of cultural stereotypes 
• Communication as a conscious and subconscious activity 
• The roles of language in communication, translation and interpreting 
• Gendered expectations in negotiations 
• Dress codes and manners 
• Humour in different social situations 
• Analysis of speech acts and theories of communication 
• Analysis of various communication channels, their limitations and advantages 
• Ambiguities of language based on non-native content expectations 
• Misrepresentation through nonverbal signals

1 hour lecture, 1 hour seminar/work shop

Essential Reading

Hendon, Hendon & Herbig (1996); Cross-Cultural Business Negotiations, Praeger Publishers, Westport

Lewis, R.D. (1999), When Cultures Collide, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London

Recommended Reading 

Axelrod, Robert (1984/1990), The Evolution of Co-operation, Penguin Books, London

Griffin, E, (2001 or latest edition) A first Look at Communication, McGraw Hill, New York

Web Resource: www.afirstlook.com [click on link for theory archive]

Katan, D (1999), Translating Cultures; An Introduction for Translators, Interpreters and Mediators, St. Jerome Publishing, Manchester

Khan-Panni & Swallow (2003). Communicating Across Cultures, Howtobooks, Oxford

Mole, John (2003); Mind your Manners; Managing business cultures across Europe, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London

Marx, Elisabeth (2001), Breaking Through Culture Shock, Nicholas Brealey Publishing

Scheider & Barsoax (1997), Managing Across Cultures, Prentice Hall, London
Scollon & Wong Scollon, (2000); Intercultural Communication: A Discourse Approach, Blackwell, Oxford

Thomas & Inkson (2004) Cultural Intelligence, Bervett-Koehler Publishers

Trompenaars, F. & Hampden-Turner, C (1998), Riding the Waves of Culture, Nicholas Brealey, London

Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner (2004). Managing People Across Cultures, Capstone Publishing

15 August 2006