Cultural Awareness & Intercultural Competence (E)
Niveau
first cycle, Master
Learning outcomes of the courses/module
The participants:
• know the concept of culture and cultural dimensions.
• have insight into what intercultural competence involves and become acquainted with different perceptions of cultural difference and how these differences are experienced.
• make connections between the cultural iceberg and their personal iceberg.
• understand how their communication behavior develops according to their cultural background.
• identify mechanisms that trigger dysfunctional communication and lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.
• develop sensitivity to cultural differences by improving their listening and empathetic skills.
• see through new lenses and step back from their own cultural worldview in order to better handle unexpected or "weird" situations.
• are continuously encouraged to self-reflect and learn through experience.
• know the concept of culture and cultural dimensions.
• have insight into what intercultural competence involves and become acquainted with different perceptions of cultural difference and how these differences are experienced.
• make connections between the cultural iceberg and their personal iceberg.
• understand how their communication behavior develops according to their cultural background.
• identify mechanisms that trigger dysfunctional communication and lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.
• develop sensitivity to cultural differences by improving their listening and empathetic skills.
• see through new lenses and step back from their own cultural worldview in order to better handle unexpected or "weird" situations.
• are continuously encouraged to self-reflect and learn through experience.
Prerequisites for the course
not applicable
Course content
⦁ The meaning of culture
⦁ Points of view and perceptions
⦁ The cultural filter and the concept of the window
⦁ Assumed normality and unmet expectations
⦁ Stereotypes and their impact
⦁ The cultural iceberg model
⦁ Cultural dimensions, with a focus on collectivism and individualism
⦁ Intercultural competence and dialogue, with a focus on the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity
⦁ The link between culture and communication
⦁ The personal iceberg metaphor
⦁ Defensive communication styles (coping stances) versus congruent communication
⦁ Active listening and empathy
⦁ Self-awareness and conscious communication
⦁ Points of view and perceptions
⦁ The cultural filter and the concept of the window
⦁ Assumed normality and unmet expectations
⦁ Stereotypes and their impact
⦁ The cultural iceberg model
⦁ Cultural dimensions, with a focus on collectivism and individualism
⦁ Intercultural competence and dialogue, with a focus on the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity
⦁ The link between culture and communication
⦁ The personal iceberg metaphor
⦁ Defensive communication styles (coping stances) versus congruent communication
⦁ Active listening and empathy
⦁ Self-awareness and conscious communication
Recommended specialist literature
Bennett, Milton & Ida Castiglioni (2004): “Embodied ethnocentrism and the feeling of culture: a key to training for intercultural competence”. In Dan Landis, Janet M. Bennett & Milton J. Bennett (Eds.): Handbook of Intercultural Training (3 ed.), SAGE Publications, pp. 249-265.
Esteva, Gustavo (2011): “Intercultural Inspiration: The Life and Work of Raimon Panikkar”. In Wolfgang Dietrich and Others (Eds.): The Palgrave International Handbook of Peace Studies: A Cultural Perspective, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 570-585.
Rogers, Carl R. & Richard E. Farson (1987): "Active Listening". In R.G. Newman, M.A. Danzinger, M. Cohen (Eds): Communicating in Business Today, D.C. Heath & Company.
Satir, Virginia (1988): The new peoplemaking, Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books.
Trompenaars, Fons & Charles Hampden-Turner (2012): Riding the Waves of Culture. Understanding Diversity in Global Business, London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Esteva, Gustavo (2011): “Intercultural Inspiration: The Life and Work of Raimon Panikkar”. In Wolfgang Dietrich and Others (Eds.): The Palgrave International Handbook of Peace Studies: A Cultural Perspective, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 570-585.
Rogers, Carl R. & Richard E. Farson (1987): "Active Listening". In R.G. Newman, M.A. Danzinger, M. Cohen (Eds): Communicating in Business Today, D.C. Heath & Company.
Satir, Virginia (1988): The new peoplemaking, Palo Alto, CA: Science and Behavior Books.
Trompenaars, Fons & Charles Hampden-Turner (2012): Riding the Waves of Culture. Understanding Diversity in Global Business, London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Assessment methods and criteria
Exam
Language
English
Number of ECTS credits awarded
3
Semester hours per week
Planned teaching and learning method
integrated course
Semester/trimester in which the course/module is offered
2