Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- understand cultural similarities and differences using theoretical frameworks
- has skills and competences to develop their intercultural sensitivity
- understand culture adaptation and adjustment.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Course: Lectures, videos, literature, individual/pair/group tasks/assignments.
All course tasks/assignments/assignment related (online) examinations must be completed/passed to complete the course.

Timing and attendance

According to TimeEdit schedule in period 2 in autumn 2025. Compulsory attendance of 80% is required to complete the course. 

Learning material and recommended literature

Lewis, R. (2010): When Cultures Collide. 
Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov (2010): Cultures and Organizations. Software of the Mind. 
Other study material provided by the teacher on Moodle.  

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion methods offered. 

Learning environment

In-class and blended learning.

Student time use and work load

About 54 hours including student’s independent study. 

Contents

Culture as an interdisciplinary phenomenon  
Cultural barriers incl. stereotype awareness  
Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities; incl. Hofstede’s 6D Model  
Intercultural communication; Lewis’ Communication profiles  
Cultural adaptation and adjustment
Work life cultures

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No pre-requisites. Attendance and active participation in lessons. All course assignments and the course exam must be passed to complete the course. 

Assessment criteria

Presentation in class 40%
Final exam in the Exam room 60%

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student did not meet the course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

 The student has a basic understanding of cultural similarities and differences. 
The student has a basic understanding of the global mindset as a concept and participates in multicultural teamwork.
The student can apply some theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures. 
The student understands the culture adaptation and adjustment process. 
The student attends the course lessons and completes course assignment(s). 

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student understands and accepts that cultural similarities and differences exist.
The student understands the significance of a global mindset and can co-operate well in an international environment. 
The student can apply most theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures. The student has a good understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process. 
The student participates in course lessons and completes the course assignment(s)  

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student understands, recognizes and accepts that cultural similarities and differences exist.  The student understands the significance of a global mindset and can collaborate in an international environment. 
The student can apply a variety of suitable theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.  
The student has an excellent understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process. The student actively participates in course lessons and completes the course assignment(s).