Intercultural Awareness

Number

incaw

Module head

Evi Fountoulakis, evi.fountoulakis@fhnw.ch

ECTS

2.0

Level

basic

Overview

In this course students learn more about the impact of culture on our lives and develop basic intercultural awareness and skills. Such intercultural competence plays a key role in today's hyper-competitive globalized world, where the ability to communicate and collaborate with a wide variety of people can determine the success or failure of relationships, projects and businesses. In addition, in times of increasing social and political tension, it is wise to reflect on how we think, feel and act in the face of socio-cultural diversity.

The course approach is highly interactive
Theory is applied in group/pair exercises and discussions
Students choose a focus of study for a group project to work on throughout the semester in 'Culture Lab' sessions
Guest speakers from business and industry come and share their experiences
Theoretical topics include: culture; identity; difference and belonging; social rank and power; cultural stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination; verbal and non-verbal language; intercultural communication and interaction; cross-cultural comparison; critical incident analysis
Areas of study include: working in multicultural teams and contexts; national and corporate cultures; managing diversity; living and studying abroad; culture shock; migration; dealing with intercultural conflict; intercultural ethics

Learning objectives

The students can:

understand key concepts, theories and approaches in intercultural studies
recognise situations where intercultural competence is required for effective communication and collaboration, particularly in the working environment
draw on the basic skills and awareness developed during the course to interact with greater confidence and appropriacy in intercultural contexts
independently engage in further intercultural reflection, learning and practice for personal and professional purposes
interact effectively in English with their course instructor, peers and the invited guest speakers

Previous knowledge

The course language is English (level C1/C2). No 'special' English is required and help will be given with new vocabulary as needed.

Exam format

Certificate of completion