Syllabus

Title
4407 Cross-Cultural Competence: USA
Instructors
Elisabeth Cassels-Brown, M.A.
Contact details
elisabeth.cassels-brown@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/13/19 to 02/26/19
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
For students nominated for study mobility, summer university or internship abroad only (except for spare places if available, upon approval by the course instructor)
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Cross-Cultural Competence
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Saturday 03/02/19 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM D2.0.374
Saturday 03/23/19 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM D2.0.374
Wednesday 03/27/19 11:00 AM - 07:30 PM EA.5.030
Wednesday 04/10/19 03:30 PM - 05:30 PM Ort nach Ankündigung
Tuesday 05/28/19 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Ort nach Ankündigung

On this page:

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Contents
The aim of this course is to raise awareness of the factors that influence interaction in intercultural settings, to introduce approaches to intercultural communication and intercultural management, and to provide students with tools to enable them to work and communicate effectively across cultures.
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Learning outcomes

After completion of this course participants will be able to:

  • Define „culture“ as a complex concept and anticipate the effects of cultural differences on different areas of life.
  • Be aware of their own cultural background.
  • Reflect on stereotypes and predjudices participants may have about other cultures.
  • Be able to perceive diffferences in behavior as cultural differences and identify the reasons for certain patterns of behavior.
  • Be aware of the role of „culture“in communication processes and use the concepts acquired in the course to apply new communication strategies.
  • Analyze critical incidents using a solution-oriented approach.
  • Develop empathic skills in cross-cultural interactions through experiential modules like role plays and simulations.
  • Be aware of possible effects of culture shock and develop coping strategies.


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Attendance requirements

Continuous attendance is required to complete this course. A maximum of 2 hours of absence can be agreed upon with the course instructor.

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Teaching/learning method(s)
The course will involve interactive teaching methods, including cultural simulations, group discussions and presentations.
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Assessment

The assessment of the course will include the following criteria:

  • Class participation (20%)
  • Presentations (40%)
  • Written exam (40%)

 

Grading key (points/percent)

  • 90 - 100   Sehr gut (1 - Excellent)
  • 80 - 89     Gut (2 - Good)
  • 70 - 79     Befriedigend (3 - Satisfactory)
  • 60 - 69     Genügend (4 - Sufficient)
  • < 60         Nicht genügend (5 - Fail)

The written exam for all participants in the cross-cultural competence courses is scheduled at the same time and place.

 

The two alternative exam dates are included in the course dates (see above, annotated "location to be announced").

 

Please make sure to communicate your preferred exam date in advance (exam capacities are limited for each date, places will be assigned on a "first come, first served" basis). For details, please read the respective post on Learn@WU: "Ankündigungen".

 

The reader "Interkulturelle Kompetenz", Thielemann, Rathmayer, 2016, is available at the Management Book Service (Building D2 on campus). The written exam is based on the readings. You can find sample questions on Learn@WU.

 

You will be informed about further assessment criteria details during the course.

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Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

This course is aimed at students who participate in a WU exchange program, after the official nomination by the WU International Office only.

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Availability of lecturer(s)

elisabeth.cassels-brown@wu.ac.at

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Other

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Additional information on MyLEARN.

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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1

Culture-general part: simulations and group tasks with a focus on raising cultural self-awareness and acquire basic knowledge about the influence of culture on communication and behavior.
2 Presentation of group assignments.
3

Culture-specific part: focus on the host culture by way of simulations, group discussions and presentations, in order to raise awarenessof cultural differences. Invited guest will speak about everyday and professional life in the host culture.
Last edited: 2018-11-21



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