Spring semester

Component(s) of Assessment	Method(s)	Percentage Weighting
3,000 word essay to be handed at the end of week 11	Coursework	100%

The essay will be chosen from a list of topics, each of which requires the student to conduct his/her own research based on a particular set of media texts/media data and apply to it at least one of the theoretical frameworks explored during the course of the module. The weighting of the criteria used to determine the mark for the essay are as follows:  

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

To develop in depth and comprehensive understanding of:

·         the relationships between language and culture

·         the different components of language

·         reciprocal behaviour in negotiations

·         the relationship between culturally embedded customs and psychological realities

• ‘high risk’ areas of common modes of interaction

   

• the multi-level constituents of linguistic, cultural and psychological signalling in communication.

   

• communication problems in various social situations.

   

The relationship between cultural aspects of human interaction and the ideal notion of the transfer of factual information, both in inter-lingual and intra-lingual communication

On successful completion of the module, students will achieved an in depth and comprehensive understanding of:

·         the relationships between language and culture

·         the different components of language

·         reciprocal behaviour in negotiations

·         the relationship between culturally embedded customs and psychological realities

• ‘high risk’ areas of common modes of interaction

   

• the multi-level constituents of linguistic, cultural and psychological signalling in communication.

   

• communication problems in various social situations.

   

• the relationship between cultural aspects of human interaction and 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

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

8.9. 2010