Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognise culture as a complex construct and anticipate the impact of cultural differences across a range of personal and professional contexts;
• Reflect critically on personal cultural backgrounds, influences, experiences, and perspectives, and contextualise them within diverse social and cultural frameworks;
• Critically examine personal stereotypes and biases, questioning preconceived notions and representations of other cultures;
• Analyse intercultural interactions and communication processes by considering multiple influencing factors, and develop effective, context-sensitive strategies for dialogue and problem-solving;
• Translate comprehensive knowledge of Italian cultures into adaptive and culturally appropriate behavioural strategies;
• Enhance personal empathy, self-reflection, tolerance of ambiguity, as well as the capacity to engage constructively with diversity through practical learning activities such as role-plays, simulations, and collaborative projects in the course, and apply such skills in cross-cultural contexts;
• Recognise and interpret processes of cultural adaptation, and develop appropriate coping and adjustment mechanisms;
• Apply practical and analytical tools introduced and tested in the course to facilitate constructive reflection and preparation for future cross-cultural and international experiences.

The course is delivered through in-person modules. Active participation in at least 80% of the scheduled modules is required to successfully complete the course. Any absence must be discussed with the lecturer in advance and compensated through a written academic assignment or an equivalent task, as agreed upon with the lecturer.

The course employs an interactive and collaborative approach to teaching and learning, incorporating exercises, discussions, simulations, role-play, and group work.

Assessment for this course is based on the following criteria:

• Class participation – 20%
• Group assignment, including one group presentation and one written report – 40%
• Individual written assignments – 40%

Grading scale:

• 90 - 100:   1 (first-class)
• 80 - 89:     2 (good)
• 70 - 79:     3 (satisfactory)
• 60 - 69:     4 (pass)
• < 60:         5 (fail)

Further information regarding the assessment components and marking criteria will be provided during the course.

The timing of enrolment and completion of the Intercultural Competence course is subject to specific requirements. Students are advised not to register until they have been officially nominated by the WU International Office for a WU exchange program. As a general rule, the course should be completed during the semester preceding the planned stay abroad.

Please check the website www.wu.ac.at/bizcomm/lehre1/ikk for detailed information on participation requirements relevant to your programme of study.

PLEASE NOTE: Waiting list registration applies to this course.

• This means you first sign up for the waiting list within the specified time frame. The number of places in the course is set to "0" during this time - this does not mean that the course is booked out at that moment.
• After that, you will be formally registered if you are a student nominated to study abroad at a WU partner university. If you participate(d) in a Short Program or internship abroad, please send an e-mail to the course instructor to be assigned to the course.

Students who do not meet the participation requirements but wish to attend the course out of personal or academic interest are also welcome to join the waiting list. In such cases, please send a short mail to the lecturer outlining your motivation for participation. Admission will then take place depending on the capacity of the course.

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