Module: Intercultural Communication

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Intercultural Communication
Module Code	CUS1009 (ITS: LC121)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To familiarise students with basic theories concerning the diversity of cultural mindsets, the impact of culture on communication and the development of intercultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.To introduce students to the comparative analysis of cultural phenomena.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate familiarity with the basic theories in the field
2. use intercultural communication theories as a tool for the analysis of specific cases
3. display greater understanding of the extent of their own and others cultural conditioning and its influence on attitudes and behaviour in intercultural interactions
4. Present aspects of intercultural communication in groups to their peers
5. Critically reflect on intercultural issues via journal writing

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	14	Introduction to key theories
Group work	2	group presentation to peers
Independent Study	109	Researching topics; preparing group presentation; writing journal
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20222	Part of Term	Semester 2
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

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	Group presentation on aspect of intercultural communication	30%	As required
Reflective journal	Writing critical reflections based on work placement	70%	Sem 2 End

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

Understanding culture

Cross-cultural communication and intercultural learning.

Culture shock and adaptation

Stereotypes, prejudice, racism

Mediating persons: working with interpreters.

Multicultural teamwork

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bennett, M. (ed): 1998, Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Press, USA: Maine,
Gudykunst, W.B. & Kim, Y.Y: 1992, Communicating with Strangers, 2nd, McGrawHill, London,
Gudykunst, W.B., TingToomey, S. & Nishida, T.: 1992, Communication in Personal Relationships across Cultures., Sage, London,
Hofstede, G.: 1994, Cultures and Organisations. Intercultural Cooperation and Importance to Survival. Software of the Mind., Harper Collins, London,
Leininger, M. & Mcfarland, M.: 2002, Transcultural nursing : concepts, theories, research, and practice, 3rd, McGraw-Hill, London,
Scollon, Ron and Suzanne Wong Scollon: 1995, Intercultural Communication. A Discourse Approach, Blackwell, UK: Oxford,
Holliday, A.: 2011, Intercultural Communication and Ideology,
Jackson, J. (Ed): 2014, The Routledge Handbook of Language and Intercultural Communication,
Piller, I.: 2017, Intercultural Communication: A critical introduction, 2nd, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None