Dr Reza Arab
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
Google Translate and other machine translation services are changing the way we communicate with people around the world. At the same time workplaces both in Australia and abroad are becoming increasingly multilingual and multicultural. This course will introduce you to how language works and the critical role it plays in communication, alongside understanding how the ways in which language is used are central to building relationships and trust in different cultural settings. It will help you develop the cross-cultural skills you need to thrive in an increasingly globalised workplace.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
8 units of courses
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
COMU1002
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice.
Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the N/Atimetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enhance your understanding of how we as communicators build relationships and effective communication, and use language, which marginalises others. When we communicate with others, many factors are at play. These include the ways that languages and the norms of interaction are structured, the cultural practices of speakers and communities, and attitudes towards situations, languages and their speakers.
In this course, you will gather skills to recognise and relate these factors to communication. In doing so, you will develop the capacity to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in global communication.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
VLOG Reflection and response
|
30% (3 Vlogs x 10% each) |
Vlog 1 - 15/08/2025 2:00 pm Vlog 2 - 12/09/2025 2:00 pm Vlog 3 - 17/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Task - Module 1
|
15% |
29/08/2025 2:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 5 |
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Task - Module 2
|
15% |
26/09/2025 2:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 9 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
VLOG Reflection and response
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30% (3 Vlogs x 10% each)
- Due date
Vlog 1 - 15/08/2025 2:00 pm
Vlog 2 - 12/09/2025 2:00 pm
Vlog 3 - 17/10/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Students will record a vlog for each of the three modules. In each vlog post, you will respond in 3-4 minutes to a set of questions about the course material in the first three weeks of the module. Questions will be provided via Blackboard in WEEKS 3, 7 and 11. You will be asked to explain key concepts in the material and relate them to your experience and/or views. You will be required to upload your vlog in Blackboard and your submission will be made available to all students in the class after all submissions are marked.
STATEMENT ON GEN AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
Students will be able to access instructions about this assesment task via our course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This maximum extension length of 7 calendar days will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Task - Module 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
29/08/2025 2:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 5
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This is an online task that will be made up of:
- Multiple choice questions (4 questions, each 1%);
- Open-ended questions (readings + content) (2 questions x 1.5%)
- Practical tasks (8%): Data analysis (2 tasks x 4%) relating to content from Module 1.
This will be marked out 15 marks.
Multiple choice questions will be automatically marked; open-ended and data analysis questions will be assessed based on your demonstration of course content knowledge.
Availability and Duration:
Module 1 task opens on Wed 27th August at 2pm.
You will be able to access the task on Blackboard for 48 hours. Once you have accessed it, you need to complete the task within 60 minutes.
If you require any adjustments to this assessment task, please consider applying for an Alternative Exam Arrangements. You may apply online 14 days before the start of the in-semester assessment date.
STATEMENT ON GEN AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
Students will be able to access this assesment task via our course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This task is available for 48 hours. The maximum extension length is 14 calendar days to allow for timely release of results and feedback to support student learning.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Task - Module 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
26/09/2025 2:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 9
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
This is an online task that will be made up of:
- Multiple choice questions (4 questions, each 1%);
- Open-ended questions (readings + content) (2 questions x 1.5%)
- Practical tasks (8%): Data analysis (2 tasks x 4%) relating to content from Module 2.
This will be marked out 15 marks.
Multiple choice questions will be automatically marked; open-ended and data analysis questions will be assessed based on your demonstration of course content knowledge.
Availability and Duration:
Module 2 task opens on Wed 24th September at 2pm.
You will be able to access the task on Blackboard for 48 hours. Once you have accessed it, you need to complete the task within 60 minutes.
If you require any adjustments to this assessment task, please consider applying for an Alternative Exam Arrangements. You may apply online 14 days before the start of the in-semester assessment date.
STATEMENT ON GEN AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
Students will be able to access this assesment task via our course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This task is available for 48 hours. The maximum extension length is 14 calendar days to allow for timely release of results and feedback to support student learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
The final assessment is a paper based exam that tests understanding and application of material and methods covered in the three modules.
Duration: 90 minutes
STATEMENT ON GEN AI & MT
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Required minilectures, resources and recommended readings will be made available via the UQ Extend course via the Blackboard site.
Lecture/tutorial slides as well as any handouts, supplementary learning materials, weblinks, and assessment tasks will be posted onﾠBlackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 1: Models of communication across languages Getting to know the class and analysing data. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 2: Communication and meaning Understanding and (hidden) misunderstanding |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 3: Communication and Inference Inferring meaning and attitudes |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 4: Communication - linguistic and cultural diversity Speech acts across languages |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 5: Diversity in Australia Discussion and mapping |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 6: Diversity in Australia Discussion and language analysis |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 7: Diversity in Australia Discussion and language analysis |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 8: Diversity in Australia Discussion and critical appraisal |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 9: Language in workplaces Language in legal contexts |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid Semester break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 10: Small talk in the workplace Meeting structure, small talk and social chat |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 11: Problematic talk in the workplace Interaction and relationships in the workplace |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 12: Humour in the workplace Humour and workplace culture |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
WEEK 13: Course review |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.