BUSINESS 151G Communication in a Multicultural Society

Schedule
Schedule G: Communication

Semester
Semester One and Semester Two

Campus
City Campus

This course develops communication knowledge and skills for your career and relationships, in a theory-based but practical study of communication.

The course offers opportunities to improve your communication knowledge, competencies and skills through the study of:

• Interpersonal and intercultural relationships
• Information literacy
• Different forms of writing
• Group communication processes
• Oral presentation
• The impact of technology on communication behaviours

This course is designed for students who are interested in finding out how to understand their own communication behaviours and those of others in workplace situations. A special emphasis is given to developing an understanding of intercultural communication in the business environment.

By the end of this course, you should be able to demonstrate:

• Sensitivity to cultural difference, and an understanding of the role of stereotypes and prejudice in intercultural communication.
• An understanding of the role of language in intercultural communication.
• An understanding of the role of cross-cultural dimensions on the communication process.
• An awareness of their own communication behaviours and the ability to modify behaviour when required.
• The ability to work as an individual and within a group to effectively demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and challenges of intercultural communication.
• The ability to analyse intercultural communication challenges (by researching, identifying relevant theories and applying that information) in order to produce effective solutions.

• Culture and Communication
• Stereotypes and Prejudice
• Developing intercultural Communication skills
• Ethnocentrism
• Cross cultural dimensions
• Hofstede - Cultural Dimensions for International Business
• Getting to know another culture, Gender and Culture
• Language in Intercultural Business Communication
• Individuals and Groups in Business Cultures
• Non-verbal Language in Intercultural Communication
• Intercultural Negotiation

You will be required to attend three hours of lectures per week, comprising a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour lecture. You will also be required to allocate appropriate time outside of class to complete weekly readings and participate in group work.

There are four assessments in this paper.

Assessment One
In-class test = 15% of final grade
The first assessment is an in-class test and is worth 15% of your course mark. The test is 1 hour long and held during class time in your normal lecture location. The in-class test is compulsory and will cover all material covered in the course between weeks 1–5 (inclusive).

Assessment Two
In-class test = 15% of final grade
The second assessment is an in-class test and is worth 15% of your course mark. The test is 1 hour long and held during class time in your normal lecture location. The in-class test is compulsory and will cover all material covered in the course between weeks 1–5 (inclusive).

Assessment Three
Group presentation =20% of final grade
For this assessment you will be involved in a group presentation and observe your classmates' presentations. The 20-minute allocated timeframe includes question-and-answer time and class discussion. Your presentation should last 15 minutes, with 5 minutes for questions. This assessment is compulsory.

Assessment Four
Final exam =50% of final grade
The final exam is a similar format to the in-class tests and covers material drawn from the entire course. Topics drawn from group presentations are included. We'll provide the date and further information about the exam in lectures towards the end of semester.

Textbook: (prescribed)
Varner, I., & Beamer, L., (2008) Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace.
(4th ed.) USA: McGraw-Hill

You must use the textbook as the information in the textbook is used in lectures, assignments and the exam. Both the 4th and 5th edition of the text book are acceptable to use for both semesters in 2012.