Study Guide

Objective

After completing this course the student
- is able to interact with people from different cultures
- knows the various frameworks on cultures and have a better understanding of how each culture perceives i.e. time and space, face and face-saving, verbal and nonverbal communication
- appreciates the differences in cultural beliefs and communication practices
- is able to apply his/her knowledge and skills in working and communicating with ease and confidence in intercultural situations

Content

Contents:
- cultural frameworks
- cultural awareness and identity
- cultural briefing
- national cultures and cultural influences
- intercultural communication skills
- culture in teams, business cultures

Materials

Material on Optima but all other materials according to students' own focus area are used

Teaching methods

The course combines many methods: in class sessions fliped learning, independet learnng includes a small scale project with required research
Working life contacts can be tied and applied and used
This course is also integrated with Introduction to International Business

Exam schedules

Applied group exam as the assessment is based on shared knowledge and experiences through discussions
As outcome students do a videointerview with someone from different culture

International connections

Pedagogical approach is international, working life oriented, learning in teams and also co-teaching as the course has two teachers

Completion alternatives

This course can be replaced by a similar course but only after consulting the tutor teacher

Student workload

5 cr = 135 h of student work
4*4h contact sessions with teacher
1 contact session with a the co-teacher
preparing and shooting the video
preparing for the group exam
preparing for the contact sessions by reading the material given (flipperd learning)

Content scheduling

The course starts on 7 Sept
After completing this course the student
- is able to interact with people from different cultures
- knows the various frameworks on cultures and has a better understanding of how each culture perceives i.e. time and space, face and face-saving, verbal and nonverbal communication
- appreciates the differences in cultural beliefs and communication practices
- is able to apply his/her knowledge and skills in working and communicating with ease and confidence in intercultural situations

Contents:
- cultural frameworks
- cultural awareness and identity
- cultural briefing
- national cultures and cultural influences
- intercultural communication skills
- culture in teams, business cultures
Oppimismenetelmät

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

group exam
video interview with manuscript
active discussion and shared knowledge
self, peer and teacher assessment

documents returned after deadline will result in lowering the grade

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

no returned documents
very inactive presence
documents very shallow or very late

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Cultural Awareness: Student understands the concept of cultural identity and the importance of understanding other cultures. The student is able to describe his/her cultural identity.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to identify main concepts from cultural frameworks.
Intercultural communication: The student can describe the importance of intercultural communication skills in social and business situations, and shows some ability to use them.
Business cultures: The student is able to describe the importance of understanding business cultures in different national contexts
deliverables are done but lack analysis

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Cultural Awareness: The student is able to describe different ways of interpreting culture and cultural awareness, . The student can analyse his/her own cultural identity in relation to the values, customs and practices of other cultures.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to describe the frameworks and shows understanding of how they can be used in practice.
Intercultural communication: The student is able to describe the communication skills needed in intercultural situations and demonstrates ability to use them in practice.
Business cultures: The student can explain business practices of different cultures and is able to identify challenges relating to his/her own culture in doing business in another culture.
Discussions showing interest and motivation
Document well prepared and analytical.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Cultural Awareness: The student is able to analyse how national and organizational cultures build cultural identity, and can demonstrate cultural sensitivity and appreciation of other cultures in intercultural encounters.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to explain the concept and significance of the frameworks. In addition, the student is able to apply the frameworks in case and authentic situations.
Intercultural communication: The student is able to analyse breaks in communication due to cultural factors and can suggest ways of improving the communicative approach to the situation. The student shows ability to adapt and adjust his/her communication style in various intercultural situations.
Business cultures: The student is able to apply his/her knowledge of business cultures in authentic and case situations. The student is able to analyse and suggest approaches to intercultural business situations.
Professional approach based on experience and knowledge is shown is discussions and in documentation
Assignments show analytical expertise