Intercultural Communication

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this course is to help you develop skills and knowledge that will increase your understanding and awareness of the impact of our differences on the way we communicate and become more effective in handling these differences effectively in Barcelona as well as in other intercultural contexts. We will explore various topics in intercultural communication and will practice intercultural learning processes in the context of your experience abroad that you can apply when working across difference in a wide variety of contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this course, you will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the field of intercultural communication and intercultural concepts and theories.
• Understand their relevance to your own experience in the host culture and when working across difference in a wide variety of contexts.
• Increase your own cultural self-awareness.
• Increase your ability to recognize and bridge cultural gaps when communicating across cultures.
• Develop an intercultural competence that turns culture-specific and culture-general knowledge into practical tools to effectively communicate across differences.
• Understand the impact of technology in intercultural communication and global relationships.

REQUIREMENTS

Fluent in English.

CONTENTS

What is culture?
What is intercultural communication?
Perception and culture. 
Cultural Identity
Introduction to Cultural Value Patterns.
Cultural differences in verbal communication.
Cultural differences in non-verbal communication.
Cultural Stereotypes.
Cultural Stereotypes and Communication.
Local culture, values and communication patterns.
Intercultural Competence.
Conflict Resolution, Culture and Communication.
Technology, social media and intercultural communication.
Intercultural communication and competence once in home culture.