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. Workshop participants learn to recognize cultural differences in a more nuanced manner, critically assess different explanatory models, and reflect upon your own value systems. Our course 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 you 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 workshop. But please discuss this with us first.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Basics of Intercultural Communication Course is currently planned as an online course for the summer semester, 2022. It will take place on two-and-a-half days. The maximum number of participants is 15. So please sign up soon.
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).
Course Dates for Winter Semester 2022:
The Basics of Intercultural Communication course will take place on five dates in the winter semester. The course will be run in German AND English – and as of this writing – will take place in person!
Course Dates:
October 21, 2022: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
November 18, 2022: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm
December 2, 2022: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm
December 16, 2022: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm
January 13, 2022: 9:30 am – 12:45 pm
Plus: an additional group (or individual) work project
To sign up or the course: simply send us an email at ikz@htwg-konstanz.de by October 16, 2022. The course limit is 15 participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!