Intercultural Communication and Research Methods (SVUEK_041)
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to acquaint students with systematized aspects of intercultural communication problems, to develop students' intercultural communication skills and abilities, and to develop intercultural competence.
The study course develops intercultural awareness, i.e. the ability to perceive one's cultural experience and impressions from other cultures as components of a wider system of cultural standards, thus ensuring a better understanding of them. As a result of discussions and exchanges of ideas, students develop the ability to change perspectives and see self-evident things and phenomena (their cultural standards) from a different external perspective.
Prerequisites
General knowledge in Humanities.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance of culture for individual's identity, the characteristic parameters of national cultures, criteria for the analysis and comparison of cultures, cross-cultural communication issues in many aspects incl. public health.
Students will be able to analyse and reflect on their own culture, successfully develop intercultural contacts, to overcome prejudices and to identify the impact of stereotypes. They will be able to see and predict the impact of cultural factors on individuals, as well as to carry out mediation functions between own and "alien" culture – predict, explain and prevent misunderstandings in intercultural communication.
A variety of techniques and tasks help to develop students' intercultural competence. All three aspects of intercultural competence are being developed – cognitive, affective and pragmatic communicative competence – with relevant knowledge and skills.
The following abilities are to be developed:
• a better understanding of the situation of culture in modern societies;
• a greater ability to communicate with people from different cultures;
• attitudes better adapted to the context of different cultures and groups in a given society.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health, SVFM | 1 | Master’s | Limited choice | Daina Volkinšteine |
