Teaching
Intercultural learning: global and local aspects
WS 2009/2010
Description
The ABC’s of Cultural Understanding and Communication (Schmidt & Finkbeiner, 2006) is an intercultural model that includes (a) autobiography, (b) biography, (c) cross-cultural analysis and (d) cultural self-analysis of differences (Finkbeiner, 2006). It aims at exploring cultural and intercultural similarities and differences in the life stories of individuals from different cultural backgrounds trough an intercultural exchange.
Core of the class will be creative activities on intercultural communication competence. Therefore, all participants will be expected to join the activities and to write an autobiography, a biography and to participate in the cross-cultural analysis. Furthermore, participants will develop five culturally responsive ideas.
An overall aim will be to benefit from cultural comparisons for communication strategies with members of other cultures. On the basis of this experience, we want to develop our own concepts and strategies of multicultural education as an important part of the school curriculum.
Students in industry and commerce will become sensitive with respect to cultural differences and conflicts when negotiating and communicating with business partners.
Since this seminar and the research is highly creative, all participants will be expected to join the literacy activities. You can be sure, however, that all your writings will be coded so that the author or interviewee remains anonymous.
