Opinto-opas

Osaamistavoitteet

This course offers students an introduction to intercultural communication and the factors that shape and influence it. Due to globalisation, migration and international work mobility, intercultural communication – work or in the personal sphere - is part of life for a lot of people. As such it is important to have insight into the ways in which culture can play a role in international contact situations, in term of behaviour in general and interpersonal communication in particular. This course considers the concept of culture, and how culture influences our thinking, acting and being. It examines the influence of culture on verbal and non-verbal communication, the relationship between culture, identity and communication, and how cultural value orientations influence our worldview and the way we behave towards others. We start the lectures with some theory on intercultural communication, but most of the time the student will be working (individual and in teams) on various assignments.

Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the key concepts of intercultural communication
- Analyse cultural dimensions according to Geert Hofstede’s and other frameworks/theory on intercultural communication.
- Apply diverse cultural dimensions to real-life communication scenarios
- Gain insight into managing cultural differences in various contexts

Sisältö

1. Introduction to intercultural communication:
- overview, definition and benefits of intercultural communication

2. Introduction to theory of Geert Hofstede on intercultural communication and dimensions
- power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term vs. short-term orientation

3. Introduction to theory of Van Hall on intercultural communication
- context, space and time

4. Strategies for effective intercultural communication
- personal leadership and influence. Your own moral compass, ethics.

5. Managing Cultural Differences:
- adapting communication strategies in diverse settings. Practicing negotiation and conflict resolution techniques

Esitietovaatimukset

- Basic understanding of communication principles
- Open to explore different cultural perspectives