Study Guide

Objective

The student
- is aware of cultural identities and appreciates different cultural values and norms
- has a better understanding of how each culture perceives e.g. time and space, verbal and nonverbal communication, or approaches to teamwork
- has cultural competence to interact with people from different cultures
- knows theoretical frameworks on culture and can apply them to authentic situations
- is aware of varying practices in different business cultures
- is able to apply knowledge and skills in working and communicating with ease and confidence in intercultural situations

Content

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

Materials

Will be provided on course workspace. Use of all other relevant material is encouraged.

Teaching methods

Independent/pair work; Applied research, reporting and presenting; Online meetings in groups.

Independent/pair research and reflection

Interactive online meetings
Team discussions and sharing
Reading materials

Exam schedules

No examinations.

International connections

Innovation pedagogy; international and business-life oriented assignment-based individual/pair work

Individual/pair study supported by peer discussions and teacher guidance
Co-creation and co-teaching
Assignment-based and continuous assessment

Completion alternatives

The student can apply for accreditation prior to the course starts.
Alternative ways must be discussed with course teachers.

Student workload

5ECTS, 135 hours student work
-applied research
-reporting
-presenting
-working as pairs
-discussing and sharing in teams

Meetings integrated with Business English Communication course. Meetings are compulsory even if student takes only one of the courses.

Content scheduling

After the course, the student can:
-describe his/her own cultural identity
-utilise cultural frameworks to understand cultural concepts
-adapt communication in culturally diverse contexts
-work as a member of a culturally diverse team
-utilise knowledge on business cultures in work-related situations
-compile and present a cultural project to showcase application of theories in a practical context

-Cultural Awareness and Cultural Identity
-Intercultural Teams
-Communicating with Cultures
-Working with Cultures
-Exploring cultures through media and projects

Implementation in autumn 2023, exact dates in the schedule
Kick-off session during orientation days

Further information

Itslearning and email

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Pair Culture Project Report and Presentation
Reflection

Activity in meetings (peer feedback, participation in written online discussions, sharing of own expertise)

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Student did not complete required course assignments that show competence in course topics, did not participate in the online meetings to showcase competence in course topics or take an active part in the course to share expertise and learn from others.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Cultural Awareness: The student knows the concept of cultural identity and the importance of understanding other cultures.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to identify main concepts from cultural frameworks.
Intercultural communication: The student shows some ability in using intercultural communication skills in social and business situations.
Working in international teams: The student recognises the need for intercultural awareness and cross-cultural communication skills in international teams. The student participates in intercultural team work.
Business cultures: The student recognises the importance of business cultures in different national contexts.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Cultural Awareness: The student is able to describe different ways of interpreting culture and cultural awareness. The student can describe his/her own cultural identity.
Theoretical frameworks on culture: The student is able to show how the theoretical frameworks can be used in practice.
Intercultural communication: The student is able to demonstrate the communication skills needed in intercultural situations.
Working in international teams: The student can describe challenges and benefits of working in and leading intercultural teams. The student acts as a member of an intercultural team and demonstrates ability to communicate and function in an international team.
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.

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.
Working in international teams: The student can apply different frameworks in order to enhance work in a culturally diverse team. The student is fully capable of working as part of an international team and is able to take into account the effect of cultures on teamwork and in leading a team.
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.