2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL1090 Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application

20 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Marco Santello
Email: m.santello@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in a foreign language

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module introduces students to notions of intercultural competence, inherent to the study of modern foreign languages and cultures. Intercultural skills are the new constant in work scenarios. Contextualisation and application of language and cultural expertise are essential for developing these skills. In this way the module encourages students to adopt a critical awareness of the 'added value' languages and country-specific knowledge can give vis-a-vis standard business and practitioner approaches. We start by evaluating the impact the evolving globalisation will have on current business and management trajectories – a context students are likely to face when graduating. The study of self-reference and culture-bound behaviour, and the theoretical exploration of the concepts of universal artefacts and country specifics will sharpen awareness of the importance of language and cultural studies.

Objectives

This is an entry-level module that will introduce students to key terms and developments of intercultural competence in workplace environments. It will focus on challenges and realities of multicultural business and management.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:

- understand impact of the evolving world economy, regional integration and globalisation on business environment.
- reflect on self-reference as starting point for understanding other cultures.
- raise awareness of the function of verbal and non-verbal communication in different cultural business contexts.
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different theoretical approaches related to intercultural competence.
apply these theoretical approaches to a range of case studies drawn from their own country/culture focus.

Skills outcomes
Intercultural competence; cultural awareness

Syllabus

- Globalisation and Intercultural Business Scenarios
- Self-Reference and the ‘Culture Concept’ in Business and Management
- Universals and Specifics
- Working across cultures
- Challenges of Cross-Cultural Management
- (Limitations of) Acculturation
- Language and Intercultural Competence
- Verbal and Non-verbal Communication in an intercultural context
- Cross-cultural negotiation and conflict
- Intercultural Marketing Dynamics

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	6	1.00	6.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			174.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

1. Background reading in preparation for lectures;
2. Reading and preparation of appropriate presentation material for seminars;
3. Completion of coursework;
4. Group discussion and preparation for online presentation
5. Revision for exam

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Monitoring will take place in seminars, office hours, and through the submission of the course work essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	1500 words	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 24/09/2015

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