Academic year
2014-15
Is found in:
- Bachelor of Business Management, programme stage 2
In other study programme:
-
Bachelor of Business Management as Cross Cultural Communication
This is a single course unit.
Study load:
3 credits
Weight:
3,00
Total study time: 75,00 hours
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2014 () or 15.03.2015 ()
It is not possible to enrol in this course unit under
- exam contract (to obtain a credit).
- exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Special admission is required to enrol in this course unit under credit contract.
Co-ordinator: Schelstraete Jan
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Organisation of education
Organisation of education
Interactive classroom work, group work in intercultural teams
Objectives
Students prepare actively for their professional communication skills which they will need in international multicultural business contexts, where English is used as a lingua franca. For this end, we study intercultural communication paradigms, and practice speaking and writing professional English. We work towards competence in a professional world which requires high levels of team work and cultural awareness and openness.
Contents
- Introduction into the theory of intercultural communication.
- Practical applications (exercises, cases) which are relevant for the professional life, especially regarding communication and cooperation with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- English-language business communication, both spoken and in writing, with individual and team assignments.
- The theory of cross cultural communication: from ethnocentrism to intercultural competence.
- Defining cultural concepts and parameters.
- Cross-cultural interaction.
- The language of presentations and the body language for communicating efficiently.
- Comparing home and guest/host cultures, and how to act professionally and competently.
Prerequisites
English, level B2. Good oral skills in English are required.
Final objectives
1. Knowledge of the concepts of intercultural communication.
Indicators:
- The student knows and understands the intercultural communication theories of Hofstede and Trompenaars.
- The student can apply these theories in intercultural situations of a professional nature.
2. Dealing with information in an intercultural context efficiently.
Indicators:
- The student is able to achieve objectives within a conversational context.
- The student can adapt to the intercultural context, and act appropriately within that context.
- The student can communicate both orally (in presentations) and in writing in a professional way (correct and effective), both regarding intercultural communication and topics; and in intercultural business situations.
3. Behaving professionally in an intercultural team
Indicators:
- The student is able to plan, conduct and finalise longer-term projects and assignments in a professional manner.
- Acts is a correct and competent manner within the multicultural team, for instance regarding the allocation of tasks, when problems arise, or to carry out peer evaluations.
Study guidance
Permanent feedback in class.
Individual queries are welcome, both during and after (or out of) class.
Evaluation
First exam opportunity:
50% in-class work
50% written exam
Second exam opportunity:
50% written exam
50% oral exam
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Study materials: Mandatory
S. Paul Verluyten, Intercultural Skills for International Business and International Relations. Acco Leuven. 2010, 4th ed 2014).
Key words
Intercultural communication
Order of enrolment
There are no prerequisites for this course.