Cross-Cultural Communication and Public Diplomacy

Date:2025-10-30 Source:国际学院

Teaching Objectives:

This course aims to equip students with fundamental theories, methods, and practical applications of cross-cultural communication and public diplomacy. By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand the basic concepts, theoretical frameworks,and key factors of cross-cultural communication.

  2. Master different communication models and techniques in diverse cultural contexts.

  3. Gain insights into the principles, strategies,and case studies of public diplomacy.

  4. Develop cross-cultural communication competence and adaptability in a globalized environment.

  5. Apply analytical skills to case studies, enhancing their ability to engage in international affairs and public diplomacy.


Teaching Requirements:

  1. Integration of Theory and Practice: Students will learn both theoretical foundations and real-world applications through case studies.

  2. Interactive Teaching Approach: Methods such as group discussions, role-playing, and simulated negotiations will enhance engagement.

  3. Development of Cross-Cultural Thinking: Students are encouraged to participate in international exchange projects and cultural communication activities.

  4. Global Perspective Enhancement: The course will incorporate contemporary global trends in international communication.

  5. Academic Research Skills: Students will be required to read scholarly articles, conduct independent research, and produce analytical reports.


Teaching Contents:

Part 1: Fundamentals of Cross-Cultural Communication

  1. Introduction to Cross-Cultural Communication: Definitions,   characteristics, and research scope.

  2. Theoretical Models of Cross-Cultural Communication: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, Hall’s High- and Low-Context Communication, etc.

  3. Cultural Differences and Communication Barriers: Cultural  conflicts, stereotypes, and biases.

  4. Cross-Cultural Communication Skills: Non-verbal  communication, cultural adaptation strategies.

Part 2: Theories and Practices of Public Diplomacy

  1. Overview of Public Diplomacy: Definitions,evolution,and key models.

  2. National Image and International Communication: Soft power and national branding.

  3. New Media and Public Diplomacy: Digital diplomacy, the role of social media in global communication.

  4. Case Studies in Public Diplomacy: Strategies of major countries (e.g., the U.S., China, the EU).

Part 3: Applied Cross-Cultural Communication and Public Diplomacy

  1. International News and Discourse Power: Global media narratives and opinion shaping.

  2. International Organizations and Cross-Cultural Communication: UN diplomacy, cultural initiatives.

  3. Corporate and Cross-Cultural Public Relations: Global branding and cultural adaptation of multinational corporations.

  4. Simulated Practices and Case Analyses: Cross-cultural negotiation, public relations campaigns, national image promotion.


Assessment Methods:

  1. Class Participation (20%): Engagement in discussions, group activities, and case analyses.

  2. Group Presentation (30%): A case study on cross-cultural communication or public diplomacy.

  3. Midterm Exam (20%): Assessment of theoretical knowledge.

  4. Final Research Paper (30%): Analytical report integrating course concepts.


This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global communication dynamics, preparing them for careers in international relations, public diplomacy, and cross-cultural business environments.


Text Book(s) and Reference Materials:


媒体外交:后全球化发展的现状与分析,作者: 吴非 主编

国际书号(ISBN) 9787519504823 出版社: 时事出版社

出版日期: 2022-06-01 

Reference Materials for Cross-Cultural Communication and Public Diplomacy  

I. Essential Books 

1. Hall, Edward T. – *Beyond Culture* (1976) 

   - A foundational book on high-context and low-context cultures, discussing how culture shapes communication.  

2. Hofstede, Geert & Hofstede, Gert Jan. – *Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind* (2010) 

   - Provides an in-depth analysis of cultural dimensions theory and its impact on communication and management.  

3. Samovar, Larry A., Porter, Richard E., & McDaniel, Edwin R. – *Intercultural Communication: A Reader* (2016) 

   - A comprehensive collection of articles and case studies on intercultural communication. 

4. Gudykunst, William B. & Kim, Young Yun. – *Communicating with Strangers:

An Approach to Intercultural Communication* (2003) 

   - A theoretical and practical approach to understanding cross-cultural interactions.  

5. Cull, Nicholas J. – *Public Diplomacy: Foundations for Global Engagement in the Digital Age* (2019) 

   - Explores the evolution of public diplomacy, its strategies, and the role of digital platforms.  

6. Snow, Nancy & Taylor, Philip M. – *Routledge Handbook of Public Diplomacy* (2008) 

   - A collection of scholarly essays examining public diplomacy from various perspectives. 

7. Nye, Joseph S. – *Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics* (2004) 

   - Introduces the concept of soft power and its role in international relations and public diplomacy. 

8. Zaharna, R. S. – *Battles to Bridges: U.S. Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy after 9/11* (2010) 

   - Analyzes U.S. public diplomacy strategies and cross-cultural challenges. 

II. Academic Journals 

1. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research 

   - Publishes research on intercultural communication theory and applications. 

2. International Journal of Communication 

   - Covers global media, cultural communication, and public diplomacy studies.  

3. Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 

   - Focuses on national branding, image perception, and public diplomacy strategies. 

4. Journal of International Communication 

   - Discusses media, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions in global affairs. 

5. Public Relations Review 

   - Examines communication strategies used in diplomacy and corporate international relations. 

III. Reports & Online Resources 

. Pew Research Center (www.pewresearch.org) 

   - Provides studies on global attitudes, communication trends, and diplomacy.  

2. BBC Media Action (www.bbcmediaaction.org) 

   - Reports on the role of media in public diplomacy and cross-cultural communication.  

3. Soft Power 30 Report (softpower30.com) 

   - Annual ranking of countries based on their soft power influence. 

4. U.S. Department of State – Public Diplomacy Reports (www.state.gov) 

   - Insights into American public diplomacy initiatives. 

5. United Nations Communication and Public Diplomacy Resources (www.un.org) 

   - Information on UN-led communication campaigns and cultural diplomacy. 

These materials provide a strong foundation for understanding both theoretical and practical aspects of cross-cultural communication and public diplomacy.


Credits:2