Hogeschool Gent
Geraard de Duivelstraat 5 - 9000 Gent
Tel: 09 243 33 33 - E-mail: info@hogent.be
Website: www.hogent.be
Cross Cultural Communication23457/4114/1819/1/67
Study guide

Cross Cultural Communication

23457/4114/1819/1/67
Academic year 2018-19
Is found in:
  • International Curriculum, programme stage 3
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Weight: 3,00
Total study time: 75,00 hours
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2018 () or 15.03.2019 ()

Organisation of education

Teaching Activities, Learning Activities, Assessment Activities
Lecture12,00 hours
Self-study51,00 hours
Seminar12,00 hours
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Re-sit exam: is possible.
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
Language course: No
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 1 or Semester 2

Objectives

Students actively increase the professional communication skills which they will need in international multicultural business contexts, where English is used as a lingua franca. To 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.

Order of enrolment

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Prerequisites

English, level B2 (CEFR - Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) . Good oral skills in English are required.

No prior knowledge on interculturality required (introductory course).

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.

Organisation of education

Limited number of lectures using Question-and-answer method; interactive exercises.
Guided team cases with coaching and feedback.

Study guidance

Permanent feedback in class.
Individual queries are welcome, both during and after (or out of) class.
Support via the ELO.

Evaluation

  • First exam opportunity:

100% in-class work, with 50% team project and presentation plus 50% individual paper

  • Second exam opportunity:
    • 50% oral exam
    • 50% individual paper




 

Study costs

Handbook: 35 euro

Key words

Intercultural communication