Intercultural Communication 4219-AL007
Format
Workshops:
From Theory to Practice: presentation of theory, discussion and practical application
Presentations:
students will make a presentation on their group assignments.
Guest Lectures:
experts from pertinent fields will speak then have discussions with the class.
Field Trips:
visits to cultural sites.
Content
• The dominant traits of the American work culture.
• Basic principles of communication: verbal and non-verbal communication, symbolic and contextual characters of communication. Communication models, barriers to effective communication, defensive vs. supportive style, sending skills, active listening, feedback.
• Effective Communication. Building goodwill: you-attitude, positive emphasis and bias-free language. Effective work-related writing: letters, minutes, memos, plans and reports. Clarity, grammar, punctuation and mechanics.
• Job Search. Writing resumes and application letters, employment interviewing, follow-up communication.
• Presentation Skills. Strategy: purpose, audience, credibility, cultural context. Structure: direct/indirect. Delivery: channels, owning delivery, managing Q&A. Visual aids: clutter issue, purpose, consistency. The art of pitching.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will possess:
Knowledge that will enable them to:
• Recognize and understand the significance of cultural context in communication in English
• Understand patterns and principles of effective communication in intercultural contexts, particularly with reference to US culture
• Develop and maintain a high level of intercultural awareness and intercultural competence
Skills that will allow them to:
• Expand the scope of nonverbal and verbal communication in English
• Express ideas in writing and speech in a positive manner, building goodwill and free from biases
• Write effective and concise documents related to work: letters, protocols, notes, reports, and plans
• Deliver well-organized, purposeful, and credible oral presentations in a format suitable for the given audience in English
• Develop professional CVs and cover letters in English
• Prepare for all stages of the recruitment process
Competencies that will enable them to:
• Understand the importance of communication and collaboration
• Develop interpersonal skills that contribute to satisfying professional relationships
Assessment criteria
Max 10 points
• 4 points: in-class activity
• 3 points: group project and its in-class presentation
• 3 points: individual written assignments
All elements of the final grade must be delivered.
GRADING:
5 10 points
4+ 9 points
4 8 points
3+ 7 points
3 6 points
The format and content of the Students’ correspondence with the Instructor as well as the general communication during the class will be evaluated according to the standards of effective communication – this may increase or decrease the final grade by as much as 1.0.
This is a communication class.
Bibliography
Obligatory readings
1. Bolles, R. (2021) What Color Is Your Parachute? 2022: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success, Ten Speed Press
2. Hall, E.T. 1970 (1990). The silent language. New York: Anchor Books
3. Hall E. (1990) Understanding Cultural Differences, Yarmouth
4. Hofstede’s Insights https://www.hofstede-insights.com
5. Jensen (2009). “Integrity: Without It Nothing Works”, Harvard Nom Research Paper No. 10-042
6. Meyer, Erin (2015) The Culture Map. Decoding how people think, lead, and get things done across cultures, New York: Public Affairs.
7. Quintessential Careers www.quintcareers.com
8. Schein, E. (2004) Organizational Culture and Leadership, John Wiley & Sons, Inc
9. Think Fast, Talk Smart: Stanford University Podcast https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart
Recommended readings:
1. Covey, Stephen R. (1990) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, New York: Fireside
2. Fisher, R., Ury, W. and Patton, B. (2011) Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, Penguin Books
3. Hofstede, G. (2010) Cultures and Organizations, McGraw-Hill
4. Kahneman, D. (2011) Thinking, Fast and Slow, Farrar, Straus and Giroux
5. Pinker, Steven (2015) The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century Penguin Books
6. Schein, E. (2004) Organizational Culture and Leadership, John Wiley & Sons, Inc
7. Williams J. M. and Bizup J. (2013) Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace (11th Edition). Pearson
8. Zinsser W. (2010) Writing Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and Teacher, Harper Perrenial
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: