Intercultural Communication Skills (3 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the various dimensions of communication between cultures. The course will show different ways to comprehend cultures according to their deep structures and diverse communication patterns. Issues that create misunderstandings in intercultural interaction will be considered. Through these theoretical and practical observations, another objective of the course will be achieved: development of intercultural skills and competence in diverse multicultural contexts in general and specifically in the field of business.

Learning outcomes of the course unit
After completing the course students will
- be able to understand from more analytical perspective the different ways to comprehend cultures according to their deep structures and diverse communication patterns.
- be aware of the issues that create misunderstandings in intercultural interaction.
- be able to modify own communication style in a culturally sensitive manner.

Content (course unit)

What are the key concepts influencing intercultural communication?
What is the significance of intercultural communication skills in working life and business life?
What are cultural values and what is their impact in intercultural communication?
What are the benefits of diversity management?
What are the potential problems and ethical themes that need to be considered?
What is intercultural competence and how to be interculturally competent?

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student recognizes the main elements that influence intercultural communication in general, but despite of this, their own communication style cannot be described as culturally sensitive. The student recognizes the existing challenges in intercultural work communities.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student works fluently in an adaptable manner with culturally diverse people. They know the cultural characteristics and acknowledge them in their own communication, aiming to common understanding. The student recognizes the elements and significance of intercultural communication in business communication.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student modifies their communication style according to the existing context and takes cultural features into consideration. They know the methods and codes of communication that are appropriate in transferring correct meanings. The student recognizes characteristics of different communication cultures and acts according to them. They observe and recognize cultural similarities and is competent in utilizing this knowledge in their own communication both in general and in the field of business.

Location and time

Online contact sessions once a month
1. Wed 1.9.2021 14 - 17
2. Wed 29.9.2021 14 - 17
3. Wed 27.10.2021 14 - 17
4. Wed 24.11.2021 14 - 17
5. Mon 13.12.2021 17 - 19

Exam schedules

No exam

Evaluation methods and criteria

- Active participation throughout the course
(Absense from any session replaced in a productive way, agreed with the team)
- Assignment 1: independent work (learning contract) returned in schedule, implementation according to the assignment criteria
- Assignment 2 and 3: team work returned in schedule, implementation according to the assignment criteria
- Peer evalutation linked to individual learning (self-evaluation)

Assessment criteria

assignment 1 (learning contracts: document & presentation): pass/fail = done
assignment 2 (workshops): pass/fail = done
assignment 3a (project plan: document): pass/fail = done
assignment 3b (implementation of the project, podcast report): 0 - 5; 50 %
assignment 4a (self and peer evaluation filled): pass/fail = done
assignment 4b (average of peer evaluations): 0 - 5; 30 %
active participation in contact sessions and workshops 0 - 5; 20 %

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Literature
Setting individual learning objectives
Learning project with team, project plan and documenting learning outcomes
Getting familiar with theories
Organizing and participating in workshops
Enriching dialogue

Learning materials

1. At least one of the following:
- Chaker: The Finnish Miracle
- Willans: 101 Very Finnish Problems
- Taipale: 100 innovaatiota Suomesta
2. For the learning project related theories independent resource finding; a list of recommendations available from teachers

Student workload

3 credits requires appr. 81 hours of student's work

Content scheduling

Introduction to intercultural communication
Getting to know Finnish culture
Setting individual learning objectives (learning contracs)
Project planning and implementation
Familiarization of theories
Organizing and participating in workshops
Presenting the project (podcast)
Reflection and peer feedback

Completion alternatives

Not available

Practical training and working life cooperation

Working-life related assignment modified by student's learning goals

Further information

Participation in online sessions is mandatory.
Passing the course requires teamwork.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student hasn’t been active during contact sessions, returned assignments do not indicate familiarization to theories and do not include connection to practice. Student has not participated in team work.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student has participated in contact sessions and shared his/her know-how to the rest of the study group. S/he has formulated learning goals for him/herself and for the team and is able to base them up with theories. S/he has participated in team work, but based on peer evaluation the participation has been on satisfactory level.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student’s participation during contact sessions has mainly been on an active level and s/he has shared his/her know-how to the rest of the study group by utilizing dialogue. S/he has showed interest towards the themes of the course.

Student has formulated good quality learning goals for him/herself and for the team and is able to base them up with theories. S/he recognizes and in specific situations can apply central intercultural communication theories.

Based on peer evaluation s/he has been an active participant in teamwork, has been able to be goal-orientated and has influenced the atmosphere in the process of team project in a positive manner.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student’s participation during contact sessions has been on an active level and s/he has shared his/her know-how to the rest of the study group by utilizing good quality dialogue. S/he has showed interest and also inspired other students towards learning and the themes of the course.

Student has formulated concrete, defined and well argumented learning goals for him/herself and for the team and is able to base them up with theories. S/he clearly knows and is able to apply central intercultural communication theories.

Based on peer evaluation s/he has been very active and persistent actor in teamwork, has been goal-orientated and has influenced the atmosphere in the process of team project in a positive manner.