Course: Communicating Across Cultures: Skills for Modern Professionals

» List of faculties » PDF » KVS
Course title Communicating Across Cultures: Skills for Modern Professionals
Course code KVS/CAC@
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction English
Status of course unspecified
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Krákora Pavel, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The course covers 3 ECTS credits. Its structure is designed to move from foundational concepts to applied intercultural analysis. The course explores the following topics: 1. Understanding Culture and Communication. Introduction of concepts of culture, cultural iceberg, communication, intercultural dialogue, global citizenship, cultural diversity, cultural identity, intercultural communication, language as a reflection of culture. High-context and low-context cultures. Non-verbal communication and culture. 2. Difficulties in Intercultural Communication. Differences and similarities across cultures. Analysis of barriers to cross-cultural understanding through case studies and discussion. 3. Cultural Diversity and Cultural Stereotypes. Exploration of cultural diversity, the concepts of culture shock and culture bump, mechanisms of stereotyping, and strategies for overcoming sociocultural bias, preparation and discussion of multimedia presentations. 4. Cultural Identity. Elements and a dynamic nature of cultural identity. Theories of cultural identity.Examination of the relationship between a lingua franca and one?s cultural identity. 5. Developing Cultural Awareness and Self-Awareness. From ethnocentrism to ethnorelativism: Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. Byram?s model of intercultural competence. Cultural self-awareness and knowledge as elements of intercultural competence. Analysis of national symbols, cultural artefacts, values, and behavioural patterns to foster reflective cultural understanding. 6. Analysis of Intercultural Incidents. The critical incident technique. Practical analysis of real and simulated situations of intercultural misunderstandings. 7. Course Reflection. Guided reflection to consolidate learning outcomes and personal growth.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified
Learning outcomes
The course focuses on the development of: - intercultural competence, including cross-cultural knowledge, critical analysis and interpretation skills, receptive attitudes of understanding and tolerance towards representatives of different cultures; - awareness of one?s own cultural identity alongside understanding of other cultures; - intercultural awareness and communication strategies required for real-world global interaction; - intercultural dialogue skills; - ability to prevent intercultural misunderstandings and avoid sociocultural stereotyping; - skills for effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication in both personal and professional contexts, using English as a global lingua franca.

Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
In-person and blended formats: study of materials for lectures; participation in activities during practical classes; study of assigned materials and additional literature; completion of practical tasks.
Recommended literature


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester