Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:

- understand own cultural background and its effect on behaviour and communication.
- develop intercultural competence and intercultural communication skills to be able to act effectively in global organizations and cross-cultural environments.
- recognize cross-cultural differences and work with them.
- understand culture adaptation and adjustment for exchange purposes.
- understand the basic concepts of global citizenship and diversity.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course will be conducted completely online. There will be about once a month a compulsory webinar starting at 4 pm Finnish time and lasting for 2 hours.

The course includes a study trip to Saarbrucken, Germany from 9th to 13th May. However, the course can be completed without the study trip. 15 students will be selected to the study trip for which costs (travel and accommodation costs) will be covered by international services. The study trip is possible for degree students, but not for incoming exchange students.

Students will gain an understanding and further awareness of own cultural background and how culture influences their behaviour and communication. In addition, the course will further develop students’ skills in intercultural competence and intercultural communication. Furthermore, this course develops the students’ tolerance in cross-cultural settings and increases their ability to act effectively in global organizations and cross-cultural environments.

Study methods: webinars, lectures, literature, group work and independent assignments

Timing and attendance

75% attendance in webinars

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials available online.
Recommended reading: Hofstede; G. (2010): Cultures and Organizations: Software of the mind.
Lewis, R. (2006): When cultures collide.

Learning environment

Moodle

Contents

1. Interdisciplinary approach on culture and its impact on studies and work
2. Theoretical framework for understanding cultural differences
3. Intercultural communication
4. Cultural adaptation
5. Introduction to global citizenship and diversity management
6. Alternatively: business cultures or health care cultures according to religion

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prerequisities

Assessment criteria

group work, individual assignments

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The students doesn't command the course content.

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

The student has a satisfactory knowledge of the course content.

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

The student has a good command of the course content.

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

The student has an excellent command of the course content.