James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

PY2018 - Intercultural Psychology and Cross Cultural Communication

Subject Description

This subject is concerned with how interactions with different cultures influence behaviour and group's or individual's constructions and understandings of self, others and social reality. This subject is also concerned with how culture affects theoretical and research paradigms in psychology. While acknowledging theories and research from general psychology, this subject introduces students to the notion that psychological theories are culturally bound and value-laden, and that each culture should be understood from its own point of reference, including its own historical, philosophical, political and religious contexts. This subject focuses on the perspective of interculture when groups of individuals of different cultures (eg Western and Eastern cultures) come into continuous contact, these cultures co-create one another and come into being at the same time. As such, the West is in the East and the East is in the West, albeit to varying degrees. The subject is to provide definitions of the concept of culture. Theoretical foundations of western/individualistic cultures and eastern/collectivist cultures will be reviewed. The subject will offer an analysis of cross-cultural and cultural psychologies that provide the theoretical and methodological foundation for the discussion of intercultural psychology. Discussions specifically related to Asian psychologies and Australian Indigenous psychology will be introduced. Issues arising from globalisation as well as living and working in multicultural environments will be discussed as well.

Learning Outcomes

• identify and apply main theories and concepts in intercultural psychology and cross-cultural communication to diverse cultural settings
• synthesise, analyse and critically appraise the application of intercultural psychology theory and practice to contexts within the Asia-Pacific region

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Critical appraisal/review - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (30%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Assumed Knowledge:  This subject is to be offered under any degree that allows for PY level 2 elective subjects. To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level. Students of non-English speaking backgrounds must have adequate English language capacity assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System. An IELTS score of 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5 is required.

Availabilities