Cross-Cultural Communication (HUM119)

What is communication? What makes communication across cultures so complex—and so essential? How can we better understand and navigate interactions in increasingly diverse and global environments?
These are just some of the questions we explore in this course. Cross-Cultural Communication introduces students to key cross-cultural communication theories, the history of intercultural communication, and the growing field of intercultural and transcultural management. Through a mix of real-world case studies, interactive group activities, and reflective practice, students will strengthen their own ability to communicate across cultural boundaries—both personally and professionally.
The course emphasizes the application of theory to real-life contexts, including workplace communication, mediated settings, and global collaboration. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how cultural values, perception, identity, and power dynamics shape communication—and how to adapt effectively across diverse environments.

Key topics include:

(1) Foundations of communication and cross-cultural communication theory

(2) The history and evolution of intercultural communication studies

(3) Intercultural vs. transcultural approaches in communication and management

(4) Real-world case studies and role-based group activities

(5) Practical tools for analysing and improving cross-cultural interactions

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
•Understand and apply major communication and cross-cultural theories
•Analyse communication events from multiple cultural perspectives
•Demonstrate written and spoken communication competence in intercultural contexts
•Use theory-informed strategies to address real-world cross-cultural communication challenges