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 can 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 helps them be more effective in cross-cultural communication situations.

After completion of this module, non-native speakers of English can better understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning; they can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; they can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes and they can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices; They are better prepared for studying or working abroad. Corresponds to C1 of the CER.

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.)

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.

Textbook, use of online learning platform, presentations, film viewings, podcasts and audio practice.

Tuleja, Elizabeth (2007) Intercultural Communication for Business (2nd Edition). Mason: Southwestern.

Spencer-Oatey, Helen and Franklin, Peter (2009) Intercultural Interaction: A Multidiscioplinary Approach to Intercultural Communication. Palgrave Macmillan.

A classroom presentation (including a handout and visual aids) (50%) and a final exam (50%) form the basis for final assessment. Duration of the final examination: 60 minutes. 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.