FHV Vorarlberg University
of Applied Sciences
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Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

Intercultural Awareness

Degree programme Environment and Engineering
Subject area Engineering & Technology
Type of degree Bachelor
Full-time
Winter Semester 2024
Course unit title Intercultural Awareness
Course unit code 086011050501
Language of instruction English
Type of course unit (compulsory, optional) Compulsory
Teaching hours per week 1
Year of study 2024
Level of the course / module according to the curriculum
Number of ECTS credits allocated 2
Name of lecturer(s) Jessica VANDER STOEP
Requirements and Prerequisites

English at B2 level (Matura level)

Course content

This course teaches the basics of intercultural communication. The course content is based on the so-called CBI approach (Content Based Instruction):

  •     Terms and characteristics of cultures
  •     Analysis of cause-effect relationships in an intercultural context
  •     The influence of culture in daily communication
  •     Strategies and case studies for dealing with other cultures and norms in society and working environments
  •     Business English: Technical terms, application and practice
Learning outcomes

This course provides specialist and methodological skills (F/M) for intercultural communication. The students

  •     know basic concepts of intercultural communication and are able to apply them
  •     are able to analyse, characterise and critically reflect on their own culture
  •     know the influence of culture in daily communication and can describe it
  •     have practical experience in intercultural group work on techno-economic issues with environmental relevance
  •     have extended their passive and active English vocabulary with reference to sustainability


On the other hand, the joint discussion in workshops and group work promotes social and communicative skills (S/K) and self-competence (S).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods
  •     Lectures, free teaching and discussion
  •     Exercises and case studies
  •     Presentations with feedback and reflection
Assessment methods and criteria
  •     Intercultural presentations (50 %)
  •     Reflective text (30 %)
  •     Attendance and participation (20%)

For a positive grade, a minimum of 50% of the possible points must be achieved in each part of the examination.

Comment

The course is held in the 5th semester. In this exchange semester, students from different cultural backgrounds will provide practical intercultural experience in team and project work.

Recommended or required reading
  • Hofstede, Geert u.a. (2010): Cultures and organizations: software of the mind. Revis and expand third. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
  • Grihault, Nicki (2007): India: a quick guide to customs & etiquette. Rev., 9. print. London: Kuperard
  • Martin, Judith N.; Nakayama, Thomas K. (2013): Intercultural communication in contexts. Sixth, international student. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
  • King, Anna (2007): Russia: the essential guide to customs & culture. London: Kuperard
  • Trompenaars, Fons; Hampden-Turner, Charles (2012): Riding the waves of culture: understanding diversity in global business. Rev. and updat, 3. London: Brealey
  • Varma, Pavan K. (2006): Being Indian: inside the real India. London: Arrow Book
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face, distance learning)
  •     Presence event
  •     Attendance requirements are determined by the lecturers at the start of the event