English - Intercultural Communication C1

This course, taught in English, should familiarize you with some dimensions of cultural variation and theories of culture and communication. While learning to understand and appreciate cultural difference, you will improve your ability to communicate effectively in a global context.

After completion of this module, students will be able to communicate more effectively with partners from other cultures. Specifically, they can recognize cultural differences when they occur, understand some specific ways in which cultures can differ, and have developed self-awareness of their own cultural behaviors and values, which will help them be more effective in cross-cultural communication situations.

Performance, testing the learning outcomes specified in the module description, is examined by a cumulative portfolio of competence and action-oriented tasks consisting of: A classroom presentation (including a handout and visual aids) (50%) and a final exam (50%). In the presentations and final exam students demonstrate a critical awareness of various dimensions and theories of cultural difference and show that they can apply them in situations where intercultural communication occurs.

Ability to begin work at the C1 level of the GER as evidenced by a score in the range of 60 – 80 percent on the placement test at www.moodle.tum.de. (Please check current announcements as the exact percentages may vary each semester.)

• Handouts and selected extracts from published sources will be used in the course. Key literature will be advised by the teacher and/ or listed in the course description.

Communicative and skills oriented treatment of topics with use of group discussion, case studies, presentations, writing workshops, listening exercises, and pair work to encourage active use of language, and provide opportunities for ongoing feedback.