IL1100 Intercultural Competences

• To define culture and explore various metaphors used to represent it.
• To learn and practise the skills of observing, describing and interpreting the behavior of people who are culturally different from ourselves.
• To practise communication techniques that allow us  to overcome the barriers involved in intercultural communication, including:
  • suspension of judgment
  • managing stereotypes
  • reflecting on and interpreting behavior
  • development of empathy and perspective taking
• To increase self-cultural awareness and awareness of other cultures by learning a framework of cultural difference.
• To study the effect of culture on international negotiation and team work
• To analyze your own intercultural experience using the framework of cultural difference and the other concepts learned during the semester.

This course is highly interactive, utilizing presentations, role-plays and simulations designed to allow you to practically apply the theory presented. It also utilizes the tool of journaling in order to encourage you to track and reflect on your experience. As much of the learning in the course occurs in the classroom, class attendance and active participation in the lessons are crucial to achieving the learning goals. It is imperative that you come to class prepared, on time, and ready to work.