Syllabus
1. Introduction - Awareness of cultural differences "Culture as mental programming"
2. “Cultural Values Map of Europe” - Video
3. Presentation of one´s own country and culture
4. The concept of "Cultural Standards" by A. Thomas Culturally determined behavior in different situations
5. Observation - Description - Interpretation - Evaluation in cross-cultural encouters What intercultural communicative competence comprises
6. Observation - Description - Interpretation - Evaluation in cross-cultural encouters II
7. The concept of Cultural dimensions by Geert Hofstede I: Presentation & application in practical exercises
8. The concept of Cultural dimensions by Geert Hofstede II: Presentation & application in practical exercises Midterm test: online on Moodle
9. Awareness exercises I: Case studies: Analysis and Discussion
10. Role-Playing
11. Awareness exercises II: Case studies: Analysis and Discussion
12. Debriefing, Repetition
13. Final exam: online on Moodle
Annotation
The seminar focuses on acquiring and developing intercultural communication competences. In the beginning we aim to improve our cultural sensitivity by developing an attitude that sees diversity as an opportunity rather than a danger. We try to analyze and understand our own cultural and communicative specific behavior, search for and explain cultural differences.
In the second part students get acquainted with Geert Hofstede´s concept of "Cultural dimensions". We use this concept as theoretical framework that allows taking the bird-perspective on intercultural encounters.
The third part of the seminar is dedicated to practical exercises such as interactive communicative games, role plays, discussion of case studies or teamwork, through which we try to improve our communicative competences. The question is what we can change about our "normal" communication behavior in order to be successful in intercultural communication situations.