Study Guide

Learning objectives

- To recognise, describe and analyse cultural differences in thinking and acting, intercultural misunderstandings and conflicts in job-related situations and to react appropriately and with cultural sensitivity to the context
- To present on issues related to intercultural communication in English
- To have a basic understanding of selected theories and models used to explain culture

The intensive course “Intercultural Communication (Intensive Week)” supports the acquisition of intercultural, social and communicative skills.

As a joint course with students and teachers from both Savonia UAS (Finland) and RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (Germany), participants will further develop their ability to perceive, appreciate and tolerate cultural differences in thinking and acting both in themselves and in others. They will develop the necessary sensitivity in dealing with people from different cultures, as well as the skills to communicate in international groups. Participants will be able to discuss related topics, and to give subject-related presentations in English.

Furthermore, participants will gain a basic understanding of selected theories and models used to explain culture and the cultural “dimensions”. They will be able to analyse and describe cultural differences with the aim of recognising intercultural misunderstandings and conflicts and of reacting appropriately and with cultural sensitivity to the context.

Content

- Culture – definitions, models and theories
- Values in different cultures, self-reflection
- Critical incident analysis
- Politeness and criticism
- Negotiations
- Presentations

Further information

This course is aimed for Savonia students studying in Finnish degree programs.

Qualifications

B2 Level English