Intercultural Communication

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Key facts

UNE unit code: LING552

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start

Trimester 2 - Online

24/7 online support

Intensive schools

Supervised exam

Credit points

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

In an increasingly global social and professional environment, good intercultural communication skills are essential.

This postgraduate unit explores theoretical approaches and practical applications in the study of communication between people of differing cultural backgrounds. Drawing on the discourse approach and using case studies from Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the US, you will examine the nature and development of the communicative styles and practices of diverse cultural groups, and their impact on interpersonal communication within and between groups.

Particular attention will be given to practical strategies for recognising and overcoming intercultural miscommunication, and for improving communication in situations of cultural diversity.

Offerings

Teaching period	Mode/location
Trimester 2	Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites

candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Finex NdhlovuProfessor, Language in society/Sociology of language - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of different approaches to studying intercultural communication and know how intercultural interaction can be investigated using linguistic methods;
critically evaluate important issues in theory and methodology of intercultural communication studies, with the ability to communicate this effectively to others;
examine and assess how cultural values and expectations affect communicative styles;
define and explain frequent causes of intercultural miscommunication;
independently observe and critique how cultural factors can influence writing practices; and
use autonomy and judgement in creating strategies for communicating more effectively across cultures.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Title	Must Complete	Weight	Offerings	Assessment Notes
Portfolio Part 1 - Assurance Task	Yes	25%	All offerings	Written and live oral verification. Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)
Portfolio Part 2 - Assurance Task	Yes	25%	All offerings	Written and live oral verification. Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)
Project/ Essay	Yes	50%	All offerings	Students must complete either an essay or project. No. Words: 2500

Title

Must Complete

Weight

Offerings

Assessment Notes

Portfolio Part 1 - Assurance Task

Yes

25%

All offerings

Written and live oral verification.

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

Portfolio Part 2 - Assurance Task

Yes

25%

All offerings

Written and live oral verification.

Students must pass both Assurance Tasks in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

Project/ Essay

Yes

50%

All offerings

Students must complete either an essay or project.

No. Words: 2500

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.