Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
5. School
C41CW
2. Course
Title
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
Sem .1
Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
3. SCQF 11
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Prof Claudia V. Angelelli
Co-ordinator
15
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem….
Sem………..
Sem…..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem…1
8. Pre-requisites
None
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
None
11. Replacement Courses
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
13. The course may be
14. Available as an Elective?
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
delivered to:
15. Aims
Course aims are to:
 Familiarize students with communication models in the workplace
 Develop students’ understanding of current issues in multilingual and multicultural communication
 Compare and contrast communicative strategies across languages and cultures
 Familiarize students with a variety of discourses used in the workplace (e.g. persuasion, compliance)
 Raise students’ awareness of intercultural misunderstandings and their impact and consequences in the workplace
 Equip students with a critical understanding of the role of language and culture in communication
 Identify characteristics of professional and non-professional translation and interpreting used at the workplace and their consequences.
Yes
No
16. Syllabus
Suggested syllabus topics will include:
 Concepts in communication, language and culture
 Current models of communication
 Communication in the workplace
 Social factors affecting communication
 Functions of communication
 The role of language in communication
 The role of culture in communication
 Communication brokered by ad-hoc and professional interpreters
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Knowledge and Understanding
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Upon successful completion of the class, students should be able to
demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of:
Students will develop and demonstrate a substantial ability to:





Concepts and issues in cross-cultural and cross-linguistic
communication
Main theories, concepts and principles in the study of
intercultural communication
Current and advanced scholarship in the field of intercultural
communication
Current issues in intercultural communication in business,
education, legal, medical and organizational settings
Challenges involved in intercultural communication
management
Professional Practice, Applied Knowledge,
Skills and Understanding
Students should be able to apply knowledge
skills and understanding in order to:



Use a significant range of professional
skills, techniques and practices and or
materials as they engage in intercultural
communication.
Effectively organise and implement
tasks and projects in intercultural
settings
Be leaders in their professional field






Collect, analyze and synthesize data on intercultural
communication at an advanced level of study
Plan and execute a significant project of research
Critically reflect upon and evaluate complex issues and ideas
Construct and communicate arguments and concepts with clarity,
coherence and persuasiveness
Creatively apply knowledge and theories at an advanced level of
analysis
Seek out the meaning and a deeper understanding of key issues
and concepts as well as focusing on issues of content and form
18. Assessment Methods
Method
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with
Others
Students should be able to:
 Exercise substantial autonomy and
initiative in professional and equivalent
activities
 Take responsibility for own work and/or
significant responsibility for the work of
others
 Be effective team workers, managers
and group leaders
 Work in ways which draw on critical
reflection on own and others’
communication skills, roles and
responsibilities
Students should be able to:



Communicate using appropriate
methods with diverse audiences and/or
interlocutors with different levels of
expertise
Demonstrate effective communication
orally and in writing with peers, more
senior colleagues and specialists
Undertake critical evaluations of their
own communicative skills
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Coursework
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
29/10/2014
Duration of Exam
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
100%
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Coursework
Date of
Implementation
September 2015
Version
Number
2/2
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