Module: Intercultural Communicative Competence

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Intercultural Communicative Competence
Module Code	CUS1008 (ITS: LC120)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of intercultural communication, and help them develop the communicative skills and attitudes necessary to adjust to and interact effectively within new cultural environments by: raising awareness on issues of culture and identity; analysing the complex meanings and values of national culture; examining how cultural values are reflected in cultural artefacts (e.g. language, literature, film, food, education, politics, etc.); studying the nature of stereotyping, prejudice, racism; stimulating thought on the diversity of cultural mind-sets and their implications for living in/with different cultures; highlighting the relevance of intercultural issues in the students' lives and studies; examining the applicability of cross-cultural adjustment theories / studies to the students' experience living abroad

Learning Outcomes

1. analyse basic theories and concepts of intercultural communication
2. 1D646CBE-DBD2-0001-B863-147EC30012DE

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Introduction to key concepts
Group work	4	Group presentations
Independent Study	101	Research, preparation of presentation and report writing
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10313	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Martin Toal	Module Teacher	Agnes Maillot, Lacie Marie Raymond

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Group presentation related to coursework	50%	Week 12
Participation	Critical Incident Analysis	50%	Week 10

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Social identity and social groups

Social interaction

Beliefs and behaviour

Socio-political institutions

Stereotypes and national identity

Socialisation and life-cycle

Cross-cultural adjustment theories

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bennett, M. (Ed.): 1998, Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Press, Yarmouth:Maine,
Gudykunst, W.B. & Kim, Y.Y.: 1992, Communicating with Strangers, 2nd, McGrawHill, London,
Hofstede, G: 1994, Cultures and Organisations. Intercultural Cooperation and Importance to Survival. Software of the Mind, Harper Collins, London,
Trompenaars, F. and Hampden-Turner, C.: 2002, Riding the Waves of Culture., 2nd, Nicolas Brealey Publishing, London,
Ward, C., Bochner, S. and Furnham, A.: 2003, The Psychology of Culture Shock., 2nd, Routledge, London,
Brislin, R: 2000, Understanding Culture's Influence on Behavior, Harcourt College Publishers,
Furnham, A. & Bochner, S.: 1986, Culture Shock, Methuen, London,
Gudykunst, W.B. (eds): 2003, . Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication., Sage, CA: Thousand Oaks,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None