Details for Theory and Practice of Intercultural Communication

This unit is designed to equip students with knowledge and understanding of intercultural communication practices and social cognition, particularly in the context of leadership.   

The unit Theory and Practice of Intercultural Communication is part of the subject area Communication and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: 

1. apply theoretical principles to practical contexts with proficiency;
2. articulate complex understanding of how culture influences communication and the processes involved in pragmatically developing intercultural communication competence;
3. analyse, synthesise, and critique relevant literature in intercultural communication;
4. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant intercultural communication theories and their application to personal leadership context. 

Subject Content

1. Social cognition: theories and case studies
2. Categorisation, stereotyping
3. Cultural dimensions and communication contexts
4. Conflict management and face negotiation;
Developing intercultural communication competence 

Assessment Methods

Forum responses, in-class writing assignment, minor essay, major essay.

Prescribed Text

• Arasaratnam, L. A. Perception and communication in intercultural spaces. University Press of America, 2011.

Representative References

Bowe, H. and K. Martin. Communication across cultures: Mutual understanding in a global world. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Gudykunst, W. B., C.M. Lee, T. Nishida, and N. Ogawa. ‘Theorizing about intercultural communication: An introduction,’ in W. B. Gudykunst (ed.). Theorizing about intercultural communication. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 2005, 3-32.

Gudykunst, W. B. Bridging differences: Effective intergroup communication. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 2004.

Gudykunst, W. B. and Y.Y. Kim. Communicating with strangers: An approach to intercultural communication. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2003. 

Rogers, E. M., W.B. Hart, and Y. Miike. Edward T. Hall and the history of intercultural communication: The United States and Japan. 2002.

Lustig, M. W. and J. Koester. Intercultural competence: Interpersonal communication across cultures. New York, NY: Allyn and Bacon, 2006.

Lustig, M. W. and J. Koester. Among us: Essays on identity, belonging, and intercultural competence. New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc. 2006.

Nishida, H. “A cognitive approach to intercultural communication based on schema theory.” International Journal of Intercultural Relations 23 (1999): 753-777.

Samovar, L. A. and R.E. Porter. Intercultural communication: A reader. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003. 

Samovar, L. A., R.E. Porter, and E.R. McDaniel. Communication between cultures. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007.

Ting-Toomey, S., J.G. Oetzel, and K. Yee-Jung. “Self-construal types and conflict management styles.” Communication Reports 14 (2001): 87-103.