Basics of Intercultural Communication Course
What does culture actually mean? How are cultures different? How do people in different cultures act and communicate? What are the challenges of intercultural communication, particularly when working in international teams? How can we deal with these challenges?
These questions are at the heart of this block course we offer each semester. Participants learn to recognize cultural differences in a more nuanced manner, critically assess different explanatory models, and reflect upon their own value systems. Our course is taught in a workshop-style and is very interactive: we use simulations, role plays, discussions and case studies to cover the material. In the second part of the workshop, participants have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Learning goals: Raise awareness for your own cultural perspective and how you deal with foreign cultures, reflect on what you consider normal as well as your own criteria for evaluating others, expand your intercultural knowledge and communication tools.
Focus: The course covers various concepts of culture, cultural value orientations, perception and mental evaluations, our image of self / others, intercultural communication, working in international teams, dealing with stereotypes and everyday racism.
This course can either be taken in the Extracurricular Studies (Studium generale) Program (2 ECTS, 3 SWS) or as MODULE 2 for the “Studium International” Certificate. By taking the course, you can also receive partial credit for the “Ethikum” (ethics certificate) – please contact our office for more information.
Students in the Asian Studies degree programs who have already completed their year abroad can offer and carry out a workshop unit by themselves that can be counted towards the “Studium International” Certificate. You would then be partially exempt you from participating in the class. But please discuss this with us first.
Course Dates for Summer Semester 2025:
The Basics of Intercultural Communication course will be taught in the Studium general on Wednesdays from 11:30-13:00 (B220). The course will be taught in English and is open to around 12 HTWG Konstanz students (from all majors).
It is also possible to earn two ECTS points by writing an additionally report / short paper by then end of the semester (topic to be discussed with the workshop leaders).
To sign up: just send us an email at ikz@htwg-konstanz.de
This is a weekly course that meets on Wednesdays from 11:30-13:00. The first meeting will be on March 26th. We'll meet in B220.
We look forward to seeing you there!