TEACHING HOURS

(WEEKLY)

Lectures and Recitations COURSE SYLLABUS

The intercultural relations and intercultural communication, focuses on the importance of culture in our everyday lives, and the ways in which culture interrelates with and effects communication processes. We live in an era of rapid globalization in which being able to communicate across cultures is imperative to our ability to function in a diverse workplace, city, and world. This course will take us on a journey. Using our stories and our online discussions, this course is designed to increase our sensitivity to other cultures. Just as importantly, this journey increases our awareness of our own cultural backgrounds, and the contexts (social, cultural and historical) in which we live and communicate.

The course will cover several general topics including: identity, perception, communication skills, culture, linguistic differences, stereotyping, and intercultural communication in Public Administration, education, medicine and business.

The overall aim of this course is to strengthen students’ competence when dealing with intercultural cohabitation and diversity in Greece and in global world as well.

In order to reach that aim, a specific focus in this module is on acquisition of knowledge about past and present migration trends at various geographical levels, as well as the role of Public Sector and Greece in this context.

Using this knowledge in discussions combined with cases study will be important factors in improving the participants’ competence.

The specific course objectives are as follows:

To explore cultural self-awareness, other culture awareness, and the dynamics that arise in interactions between the two.

To understand how communication processes differ among cultures.

To identify challenges that arise from these differences in intercultural interactions and learn ways to creatively address them.

To discover the importance of the roles of context and power in studying intercultural communication.

To acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that increase intercultural competence

This module facilitates for the student to acquire following skills and knowledge:

Knowledge: have knowledge about main characteristics of global migration

have knowledge about contemporary migration in Europe and the intercultular policies in local and regional level

In addition this course aims to develop among students the awareness and skills necessary for dealing competently with cultural diversity when operating in international business. The main objective of this module is to equip students with a critical understanding of the relationship between national culture and business in different parts of the world, in particular the cultural dimensions that need to be considered for managing people. Also, students will get an insight into selected legislative and institutional differences across countries/regions.

Particularly the public services are without doubt at the front-line of cultural interaction. They have to deal not only with domestic multi-cultural citizens and residents but also the immigrants and a transient population visiting from abroad.

Getting it right is critical in the public sector. Misunderstandings over language, body language, religious sentiments and many other areas can lead to sub-standard or even life-threatening results or medical treatments. Healthcare professionals also have to consider factors such as patient privacy, high volume and management of people in crisis.

This course aims to improve students understanding of human behavior in the global world and the ability to lead people to achieve more effectively toward increased organizational performance.

Decision-making

Autonomous working

Collaborative working

Advancement of a free, productive and inductive mind

National Culture & Cultural dimensions.

The relationship between national culture and business in different parts of the world.

Cultural Diversity in the European cities

- Examine influences of religions, faiths, beliefs and values on cultural practices, etiquette, customs, identities and ways of communication

- Identify biases and stereotypes that are detrimental to mutual respect and communication processes

- Discuss cultural sensitivity and etiquette in communication in relation to the variation in

faiths and religions

The impact of culture on behavior relevant multicultural policies

Understanding the complexities of culture and cultural identities. Big C and Small C.

What is ‘communication’? Process of communication

Communication across cultures, and organizational behavior

Verbal and non-verbal communication.

- Examine various types of communication barriers.

- What are ‘enculturation’, ‘acculturation’, ‘ethnocentrism’ and ‘stereotypes’?

- How stereotyping and ethnocentrism can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and

confirmation bias?

- Ways to overcome or avoid communication barriers

National culture and business ethics.

The relationship between ethics and business in different parts of the world.

Language of Assessment: Greek, English (ERASMUS)

Method of Assessment:

Written term exam that includes:

-Short answer questions

-Problem-solving in business and organizations

1. Crotty, R., (2013). Introduction to Intercultural Studies, Gill, Dublin, Ireland.

2. Bitsani, E. (2013). “Intercultural City Identity” and “Human Intercultural Cities” (H.I.C) An Ontological/dynamic Model for the Social Cohesion of Modern and Post - Modern Cities. The research example of Trieste Italy” research monograph. New York: Nova Publishers.

3. Asante, M., Miike, Y., & Yin, J. (Eds). (2008). The Global Intercultural Communication Reader. New York: Routledge.

4. Mc Farlin ,D. & Sweeney, P.D. (2011). International Management: Strategic Opportunities & Cultural Challenges, 4th Edition, Routledge.

5. Mathews, G. (2000). Global Culture/Individual Identity: Searching for Home in the Cultural Supermarket. New York: Routledge.

6. Hofstede, G. & Hofstede, J. (2005). Cultures and Organizations. Mc Graw-Hill, USA.