Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in COMU1002 and POLS2224. It provides students with a theoretical framework for analysing intercultural communication and evaluating intercultural competence (in particular their own), and provides an opportunity for debriefing both during and after study abroad. Students acquire advanced skills in intercultural problem-solving and communicate their learning journey so as to enhance the understanding of others. Students complete the first semester of this year-long course online and have a choice to complete the second semester on campus at St Lucia or online.
This year-long course is offered to students in the Bachelor of International Studies. This instance of the course is for students who are on Study Abroad in a time-frame which mostly overlaps with UQ's Semester 1, 2025. You may start earlier/ later, but during Semester 1 2025, you are participating in a Study Abroad experience away from UQ. In Semester 2 2025, you are available to participate in fortnightly learning activities which are run from UQ's St Lucia campus. If you are intending to spend a year on exchange, and to be at a partner university in Semester 2 2025, you may find it easier to take COMU3065, which will run from Semester 2 2025 to Semester 1 2026, allowing you to attend the fortnightly classes more easily.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students entering this course will already have a basic knowledge of the various dimensions of communication and the ways in which they vary across cultures (COMU1002). They will also have completed several semesters of foreign language study.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Exchange eligibility criteria; Submission of proposed study plan to Faculty; COMU1002 or approval of course co-ordinator.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
POLS2224 or POLS2703
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMU3065
Restrictions
Bachelor of International Studies students only; students must complete their semester abroad during their enrolment in the course.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Timetable
Additional timetable information
During the semester of study abroad (Semester 1 2025), there are no timetabled activities for this course: students are collecting data which will be discussed during timetabled fortnightly seminars in the following semester (Semester 2 2025) (classes will be timetabled for Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13).
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling 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
The course aims to allow students toﾠdevelop evidence-based reflective processes, enabling students to situate the study abroad experience in their personal and professional trajectories.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate skills of data collection based on observation and note-taking.
LO2.
Demonstrate understanding of theoretical frameworks for analysing intercultural experience and competence
LO3.
Engage in reflective processes for understanding and evaluating intercultural experiences and challenges
LO4.
Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills in intercultural contexts
LO5.
Relate international experience to theoretical frameworks
LO6.
Articulate and communicate intercultural understanding effectively in a variety of genres
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Sequence: Fieldnotes
|
25% |
28/02/2025 5:00 pm 31/03/2025 5:00 pm 30/04/2025 5:00 pm 30/05/2025 5:00 pm 30/06/2025 5:00 pm 31/07/2025 5:00 pm
In order to accommodate different academic calendars at our Study Abroad partner institutions, there are six opportunities to submit a field note: five will count towards your final result for the course. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Report on tutorial discussion of a reading
|
20% |
11/08/2025 - 10/11/2025
In Sem 2, 2025, students will act as rapporteurs on discussion of one reading, based on that reading and work in class in their choice of: Week 3, Week 5, Week 9, Week 11 or Week 13. The report is due one week after the tutorial, or, in the case of Week 13, by the Monday of exam period. |
| Presentation |
Pre-departure seminar for future Study Abroad Participants
|
20% |
8/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
Exact date/s depend/s on timetabling. The usual class time in Week 7 will be used for presentations, with additional sessions timetabled as student numbers require. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Analytical essay
|
35% |
18/11/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Sequence: Fieldnotes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
28/02/2025 5:00 pm
31/03/2025 5:00 pm
30/04/2025 5:00 pm
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
30/06/2025 5:00 pm
31/07/2025 5:00 pm
In order to accommodate different academic calendars at our Study Abroad partner institutions, there are six opportunities to submit a field note: five will count towards your final result for the course.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
This assessment item encourages you to approach your in-country study as fieldwork, compiling a shared database of fieldnotes which we will then draw on in Semester 2 2025. The shared data base is housed on a padlet in the folder corresponding to this assessment item on Blackboard. You also upload each fieldnote to Turnitin (via a link on Blackboard) in order to receive personalized, private, feedback.
What is a fieldnote? Your fieldnote uses a template provided on Blackboard to record the important details of a precise observation which you have personally made. You explain why this observations is interesting as data relating to your chosen theme (see below) and note any questions it raises for you. Your focus is on the observation and questions it raises, which might themselves be answered by further observations. You can relate your observation, briefly, to wider patterns of behaviour, but your aim is not to describe those wider patterns. You may include photographs or recordings. The shared padlet proposes four initial themes for these observations, students can propose additional themes for consideration. You do not need to post on all the themes. Note: you can post additional observations to the padlet, above 5 in total - simply upload to Turnitin those which you wish to be marked.
Themes:
- Cultural practices (doing things differently)
- Intercultural practices (practices of mediation; negotiation; accommodation, successful or otherwise)
- Embodiment (being there in person; contact through the senses)
- Linguistic landscapes (language use in the host culture; language use among Study Abroad students; language learning)
Each entry will be at least 150 words. See Blackboard for the template detailing the information to include in each entry.
How many fieldnotes do I make and when do I post them? You should submit five fieldnotes for marking, but there are six opportunities to submit, to cater for different starting and finishing dates. Each opportunity closes on the last working day of each month: February, March, April, May, June, July. Remember, nothing stops you submitting a fieldnote early, or submitting a fieldnote when you are no longer in-country as long as it relates to an observation you made during Study Abroad. If you choose to submit six fieldnotes, the best five marks will count towards your final result for the course.
Marking criteria: Each fieldnote is marked out of 5% on the quality of: Information provided; Comments on observation; Language. (See detailed grid on Blackboard).
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation: 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 or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Each entry must be submitted via Turnitin AND posted on the shared padlet. Links to both are provided in the Blackboard "Assessment" section. Your assessment is not completely submitted until it has been uploaded to both platforms.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Report on tutorial discussion of a reading
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/08/2025 - 10/11/2025
In Sem 2, 2025, students will act as rapporteurs on discussion of one reading, based on that reading and work in class in their choice of: Week 3, Week 5, Week 9, Week 11 or Week 13. The report is due one week after the tutorial, or, in the case of Week 13, by the Monday of exam period.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Once during the semester following your Study Abroad experience, you act as rapporteur on class discussion of one of the set readings: you are responsible for providing a guide for your peers to the main points of the article, as discussed in class, and to the usefulness of the article in terms of analyzing the fieldnotes submitted by your cohort. This evaluation of usefulness should include an example of how the article could be applied to a specific fieldnote (or a cogent argument as to how it cannot be applied to our data set and the kind of data which would be needed to use the theoretical framework outlined in the reading).
You will sign up through Blackboard to choose the particular reading for which you will be responsible.
You will post your summary within the week following class.
Fuller guidelines will be posted on Blackboard.
Length: 1000 words, not including references
- If your paper is under 900 words, your mark will be reduced proportionally. For example, if your initial mark is 14/20, but you only wrote 500 words, rather than 1000, your marks is reduced to 7/20.
- If your paper is over 1 100 words, the excess material may not be read. For example, by the 1 100 word point, you are still explaining the methodology used by the authors of the article and haven't yet got to your evaluation of the usefulness of the article you won't get points for that evaluation.
Marking criteria: the report will be marked on the quality of the summary, of the evaluation of the applicability of the article to your fieldnotes (including the example) and of the written expression. (A detailed rubric is provided on Blackboard).
Use of generative AI and Machine Translation: 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 or MT 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 and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Your report will be made available to other students on Blackboard. You should also upload it to Turnitin. (Full details will be provided on Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Pre-departure seminar for future Study Abroad Participants
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
8/09/2025 - 12/09/2025
Exact date/s depend/s on timetabling. The usual class time in Week 7 will be used for presentations, with additional sessions timetabled as student numbers require.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L06
Task description
COMU3065 students present at a pre-departure seminar for other students interested in Study Abroad, to provide precise, useful advice based on your Study Abroad experience (and, potentially, those of your peers). You should pick a specific topic of relevance to your audience, which you should announce in the introduction to your presentation. For example, you might cover topics such as:
- Negotiating the academic system in [host country]. What did you learn from negotiating the differences? Were there challenges and how did you overcome them? How could others learn from your experience?
- Intercultural communication in [host country]. What advice would you give to students interested in the country where you did your exchange? Share your intercultural insights!
- Developing your skillset through Study Abroad. What skills and attributes have you developed during Study Abroad which have contributed to your personal and professional development, and how could other students benefit in the same way (or learn from your errors).
- Self-care and Study Abroad. Based on your experience, what advice can you give your audience members so that they cope and thrive in the sometimes challenging Study Abroad environment?
Please note: if you are also providing a text to the Global Experiences team, or to your scholarship sponsor, you can draw on that work for this presentation: however, this is a presentation, not the reading of a script.
Length and format: This presentation should be 6-8 minutes long, be supported by a Powerpoint (or similar) and be followed by responding to 3 to 4 questions from the audience. Internal students present in-person, external students present on Zoom.
Marking criteria: This assessment item will be marked on the quality of: the information provided; presentation skills; language. (For a detailed rubric, see Blackboard.)
Use of Generative AI and Machine Translation: 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 or MT 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 work independent of AI and MT tools
Submission guidelines
In-person or via Zoom
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If an extension is required, the student will present to the lecturer or to the lecturer and other students who have also been awarded an extension. The presentation should still be delivered as if to a group of students thinking about undertaking Study Abroad.
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.
Analytical essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
18/11/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students write an essay which draws on a selection of the fieldnotes, relates them to theoretical frameworks for analysing intercultural experiences, competencies and study abroad, to provide a precise analysis leading to a logical conclusion. Students are invited to discuss their plan for their essay with the course co-ordinator before starting to write it. The essay should be clearly structured with an introduction stating the precise topic to be discussed, a summary of relevant literature, a brief indication of the method by which the field notes and examples were selected, a discussion and conclusion. (More detailed guidelines are provided on Blackboard along with the essay questions.)
What to include:
- Precise references to examples in the Field Notes.
- References to the readings studied throughout semester.
- References to concepts discussed in class.
Length: 2000 words (1 800 - 2 200 words, excluding the reference list and any appendices). Below 1 800, and the mark will be reduced proportionally. For example 30/35 for an essay which is 1500 words long will be reduced to 1500/2000 x 30. Markers will not read beyond 2 200 words.
Marking criteria: The essay will be marked on the quality of: the demonstrated understanding of theory discussed during the course; the analysis; organisation of the essay and its argument; academic writing. A detailed marking rubric is available on the course Blackboard site.
Use of generative AI and Machine Translation: 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 or MT 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 and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Via Turnitin (submission link on Blackboard)
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
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: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The grade is based on the addition of marks for all assessment items, less any penalties for late submission. |
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.
Additional assessment information
Supplementary assessment will be personalised, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of skills commensurate with the learning objectives of the 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Semester 1 2025 : Introduction to the course Online materials on Blackboard present the aims and objectives of the course. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Semester 1 2025: Study Abroad Your Study Abroad experience overlaps with UQ's Semester One 2025 (it might start earlier or end later). During this time, your contribution to COMU3060 takes the form of completing five fieldnotes - see the assessment section for details. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06 |
Week 14 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week One: Expectations and Experience Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 16 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Three: Identity Transformation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 18 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Five: Becoming one of the locals??? Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 20 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Seven: Pre-departure Seminar for Future Study Abroad Participants. Students participate in the delivery of the pre-departure seminar for peers planning to study abroad. Depending on student numbers, presentations may also be scheduled outside of classtime. See assessment details for more information. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L06 |
Week 22 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Nine: Questioning Authenticity Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 24 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Eleven : Multilingual Mindsets Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 26 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Tutorial |
Semester 2 2025, Week Thirteen: Living and Working in Intercultural Spaces Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.