Intercultural Communication Competence (Hessen:ISU)
- Features an overview of intercultural studies
- Students will learn about cultural awareness, developing intercultural competence, dimensions of culture, and cultural briefings
- Course offered in block style and meets daily in the mornings and afternoons
Intercultural Communication Competence features an overview of intercultural studies and focuses on the knowledge, skills and attitudes for communicating effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Cultural awareness (What is culture?)
- Cultural socialization and identities; dealing with bias and prejudice
- Developing intercultural competence and communication skills (Communicating effectively with others; conflict resolution; mediation)
- Dimensions of culture (Theories of culture and communication)
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and the role of the state; case studies
- Focus on specific cultures (Becoming familiar with diverse cultures without stereotyping)
Learning Outcomes
The course aims to assist students in developing an intercultural skillset and mindset.
- Developing a conscious understanding of one’s own culture
- Using frameworks for understanding cultural contrasts
- Having a clear understanding of how to use cultural generalizations without stereotyping
- Communicating effectively in an intercultural setting
Course Method
The course will be taught as a mixture of mini-lectures, group discussions, small group activities, workshops, case studies, critical incidents, and experiential exercises on campus.
Course Materials
All course material will be provided free of charge – both online (e-learning platform) and as hard copy. Preparatory reading: Understanding intercultural Communication – An Overview (will be made available on campUAS - the university’s e-learning platform).
Assessment
Presentation or case study; regular attendance of the course.
Grading
Students will be graded according to their final assessment, based on the German grading system.
This is an interdisciplinary course. Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Maximum capacity for the course is 20 participants.
This course is offered through Hessen:ISU (International Summer Universities) and students from the Hessen:Queensland, Hessen:Massachusetts, and Hessen:Wisconsin Exchange Programs are especially encouraged to apply.
Students will earn a total of 6 ECTS points for the successful completion of the course.
A single ECTS point is defined as the equivalent of 25-30 hours of student workload, which includes class hours, readings, preparation for class activities, as well as assessment measures.
The program fee is 750€.
What is included in the program fee?
- 2 weeks of academic courses
- Course materials
- Public transportation within Frankfurt for the duration of the program
- Opening and Closing Events
Accommodation is not included in the program fee. The costs for accommodation are Multi-Bed Room (3-4 people) 515€ / Double Occupancy (2 people) 600€. More information can be found under Housing.
Students under the Hessen:Queensland, Hessen:Massachusetts, and Hessen:Wisconsin Exchange Programs should apply directly through the International Office at their home university.
Registration
Apply now for Intercultural Communication Competence!
Application deadline is June 10, 2025.
