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.

The course is taught in ENGLISH.

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 prejudices participants may have about other cultures.
• Be able to perceive differences 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.

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

The assessment of the course will include the following criteria:

• Class participation (20%)
• Oral Presentations and Written Report (40%)
• Written final 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 (please 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, 2019, 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.

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

bernadette.hoefer-knudby@wu.ac.at

The course will be taught in ENGLISH.