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

Lectures, pair/group work and/or individual assignments and/or activities. 

Timing and attendance

According to TimeEdit schedule. 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 learning and online/Moodle based reflective tasks.

Student time use and work load

About 54 hours, inclusive of class attendance and student’s independent study. 

Contents

1. Culture as an interdisciplinary phenomenon  
2. Cultural barriers incl. stereotype awareness  
3. Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities; incl. Hofstede’s 6D Model  
4. Intercultural communication; Lewis’ Communication profiles  
5. Cultural adaptation and adjustment
6. 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 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.
- understands the significance of a global mindset and can co-operate well in an international environment. 
- can apply most theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures. The student has a good understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process. 
- participates in course lessons, learning tasks 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.
- understands the significance of a global mindset and can collaborate in an international environment. 
- can apply a variety of suitable theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.  
- has an excellent understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process. 
- actively participates in course lessons, learning tasks and completes the course assignment(s).