Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication
Hours: 45
Prerequisites: No requirements
Instructor name: Ana Carballal, Ph.D.
E-mail: acarball@nebrija.es
Office hours: to be communicated the first day of class

1. Course Description
Since the course is taught in English, students are required to have an advanced English level (minimum B2.2).

1. REQUISITOS PREVIOS:

Since the course is taught in English, students are required to have a pre-advanced English level (B2.2 minimum).

2. BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE CONTENIDOS:

This course aims at making the student aware of the variety of factors involved in communication, particularly, when it is held between speakers from different cultures. Concepts such as communication, culture and interculturality will be thoroughly discussed in order to understand the role each element has in the creation and dissemination of culture and the associated stereotypes. Furthermore, culture-specific communication styles and the variety of factors interfering intercultural communication acts will be analysed. Students are to become aware of the difficulties they might encounter in interpersonal exchanges abroad. After the course students are expected to have the knowledge and skills required so as to overcome intercultural difficulties and to communicate effectively with speakers from different cultural backgrounds.

3. COMPETENCIAS QUE ADQUIERE EL ESTUDIANTE Y RESULTADOS DEL APRENDIZAJE

-  Apply their linguistic knowledge in the professional field of languages, being able to solve communication problems in different situations and by using different channels and communication styles.
- Capacity to understand the socio-cultural rules and culture-specific linguistic features in communicative acts across borders.
- Effective use of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and understanding the role each has when communicating with members of different countries and cultures.
- Develop tolerance to multiculturality and diversity by becoming aware of culture diversity and understanding the main issues involved in plurilinguism.
- Capacity to adapt to new cultural situations.
- Capacity to apply the different concepts and strategies learnt in their previous subjects related to communication to new international and intercultural settings.
- Development of learning skills such as critical reading and thinking, analysis, summarising, researching, note- taking, team-work, evaluating, drawing conclusions, etc.

4. ACTIVIDADES FORMATIVAS Y METODOLOGÍA:

An interactive, task-based and communicative teaching methodology will be used so as to involve the student in their own learning process and make them aware of their learning strategies development. There will be a theoretical introduction at the beginning of each session and students will be after required to participate by posing questions, expressing ideas on texts previously read, sharing knowledge, etc. Furthermore, students will be required to carry out a variety of tasks, individually or/ and in groups.

Theoretical- practical sessions: Students will be required to read certain texts on the topic before each session so as to be able to participate and discuss certain issues in class. During each session there will be a theoretical presentation of items and the student will be required to do a wide variety of exercises, individual and in group.

Tutorials: Tutorial sessions at students and/ or teachers request so as to monitor the student's development and improvement.

Practice and assignments: Several individual and group exercises will be required thorough out the course. Students will research on the communication styles of different, stating its culture-specific features and the socio- cultural rules governing that specific speech community. Students are required to carry our several oral presentations on different issues in class using the English language as the only means of communication. The accurate use of the concepts, skills and strategies learnt in class will be shown in all tasks.

5. SISTEMA DE EVALUACIÓN

5.1 Regular evaluation:
Class attendance and participation: 25% Directed Activities: (presentations, class discussions, case analysis, etc) 25% Midterm exam: 15% Final exam:35%

5.2. Repeat evaluation:
5.2.1 Repeat exam 70%
5.2.2 Directed Activities 30%
The 10% corresponding to participation during the semester's participation will not be considered in the repeat evaluation.

5.3. Restrictions:
In order to make up the final average grade, the student is required to attend an 75% of the sessions specified in the syllabus. Also, it is necessary to obtain a pass (5) in the final exam (either in the regular or repeat evaluation) so as to qualify for a course grade. Any grade under 5 is considered a fail.

Classroom participation is a key aspect of this course, based on a communicative approach. Participation means being able to ask questions, answer questions when called upon, volunteering answers to questions and actively listening to others. No assignments will be accepted after the due date given. Plagiarism (illegal and unauthorised copying) is penalised with a zero grade 0 for the
entire course.