COMM222 - Communication in a Global Society

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

GLST200 OR GLST201 OR COMM102 Introduction to Communication OR COMM103 OR COMM213 Interpersonal Communication OR COMM218 Communication in the Workplace OR COMM219 OR COMM221 OR COMM220 OR COMM313

Teaching organisation

Unit rationale, description and aim

Intercultural communication is a crucial element of the global world we inhabit in the twenty-first century. This unit will explore the emergence of the ‘globalised world’ examining in depth how communication manifests in different societies (cross-cultural communication) and how different societies interact (intercultural communication) across diverse cultural contexts. This unit builds on broader notions of communication in society exploring how emergent ‘cultural globalisation’ impacts on traditional communication theories and practice. It aims to prepare students to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Critically analyse a range of theories on intercultural communication (GA4, GA5, GA8)

LO2 - Discuss and apply theories of cultural globalisation to the way we communicate face to face and in online communities (GA1, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8)

LO3 - Evaluate and manage the dynamic processes and challenges associated with intercultural global communication (GA1, GA4, GA5, GA7, GA8)

LO4 - Identify, analyse and apply strategies that facilitate effective intercultural communication between individuals and diverse cultural groups (GA1, GA7, GA8, GA10)

Graduate attributes

GA1 - demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA7 - work both autonomously and collaboratively 

GA8 - locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA10 - utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively.

Content

Topics may include:

• Historical and theoretical frameworks in global communication
• The challenges of cultural globalisation
• Global communication and cultural change
• Globalisation and identity
• Conflict and power in global communication
• Cultural convergence: the internet and social media as modes of communication.
• The effects of globalised media

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

150 hours in total with a normal expectation of 36 hours of directed study and the total contact hours should not exceed 36 hours. Directed study might include lectures, tutorials, webinars, podcasts etc. The balance of the hours then become private study.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. Assessment 1 aims to develop an understanding of intercultural communication through a research written report. Assessment 2 seeks to develop students’ oral communication skills through a presentation on a topic on global communication. Assessment 3 provides a summative evaluation of students’ comprehension of theoretical aspects of the unit. 

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Adler, R. B, Rodman, G & du Pre, A. (2014). Understanding human communication. New York: Oxford University Press

Fitzpatrick, F. (2020). Understanding intercultural interaction: A guide to key concepts. Bingley, UK: Emerald Publishing.

Houman, S & Flammia, M. (2011). Intercultural communication: A new approach to international relations and global challenge. New York: Continnum.

Jamarani, M., & Sharifian, F. (2013). Language and intercultural communication in the new era. New York: Routledge.

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2012). Intercultural communication in contexts. 6th ed.. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Neuliep, J. (2011). Intercultural communication: A contextual approach. Thousand Oaks: Sage

Samovar, L, Porter, R & McDaniel, E. (2008), Intercultural communication: A reader. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Stellar, T & Chung, L. (2011). Understanding intercultural communication: New York: Oxford