Seminar Cultural studies and intercultural communication
Supported by AMIF (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund)
In today’s world, various social developments create more and more intercultural situations. People from different cultures interact on a daily basis, at work or in private life. Such intercultural encounters don’t always lead to understanding and harmony. Sometimes, difficulties or even conflicts arise. In order to act appropriately in an intercultural setting, you need intercultural competency. Intercultural competency is not a single skill, but it also includes teamwork, tolerance, open-mindedness, theoretical knowledge about other cultures, empathy, respect and appreciation, reflection on both self and the other, sensitivity, and language skills. You need these skills in order to avoid conflict in your communication with people from other cultures and to adapt to life in your new home.
Cultural knowledge about Germany
Reflection on your own culture
Self-perception and outside perception
Intercultural differences: values, norms, cultural standards
Typical sources of conflict: direct and indirect communication, object and person orientation, building relationships in private and professional life
Social skills: effective communication (e.g. communication and cooperation in international teams), preventing intercultural conflicts
Identify cultural conflict areas and resolve issues with cultural sensitivity
Culture shock and how to handle it
Pitfalls of nonverbal communication
Dealing with prejudice and stereotypes
Enhance your own awareness- practice assuming a different perspective