Key facts
UNE unit code: LING552
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In an increasingly global social and professional environment, good intercultural communication skills are essential.
This postgraduate unit explores theoretical approaches and practical applications in the study of communication between people of differing cultural backgrounds. Drawing on the discourse approach and using case studies from Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the US, you will examine the nature and development of the communicative styles and practices of diverse cultural groups, and their impact on interpersonal communication within and between groups.
Particular attention will be given to practical strategies for recognising and overcoming intercultural miscommunication, and for improving communication in situations of cultural diversity.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of different approaches to studying intercultural communication and know how intercultural interaction can be investigated using linguistic methods;
- critically evaluate important issues in theory and methodology of intercultural communication studies, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
- examine and assess how cultural values and expectations affect communicative styles;
- define and explain frequent causes of intercultural miscommunication;
- independently observe and critique how cultural factors can influence writing practices; and
- use autonomy and judgement in creating strategies for communicating more effectively across cultures.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Assessment Note | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Online Quiz 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Online Quiz 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Project/ Essay | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Intercultural Communication: A Discourse Approach
ISBN: 9780470656402
Scollon, R., Scollon, S.W. and Jones, R.H., Wiley-Blackwell 3rd ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Cross-Cultural Pragmatics
ISBN: 9783110177695
Wierzbicka, A., De Gruyter 2nd ed. 2003
Text refers to: All offerings
Intercultural Discourse and Communication: The Essential Readings
ISBN: 9780631235446
Kiesling, S.F. and Paulston, C.B. (eds), Wiley-Blackwell 1st ed. 2008
Text refers to: All offerings
Communication Across Cultures: Mutual Understanding in a Global World
ISBN: 9781107685147
Bowe, H. and Martin, K., Cambridge University Press 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
The Language and Intercultural Communication Reader
ISBN: 9780415549134
Hua, Z., Routledge 1st ed. 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication
ISBN: 9781032365190
Jackson, J., Routledge 3rd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.