CDM – Culture & Communication
2010-2011

There are 6 modules (3 foundation courses followed by 3 workshop courses) spread over the academic year, forming a seamless learning process that takes you through the fundamental theories and frameworks supporting the understanding of human communication and cultural differences. The main areas covered in the curriculum are:

Theory of Communication and Culture (8 credit points)
How do we communicate? What role do language and non-verbal communication codes play in our everyday lives? How can culture be measured? What does it mean to value diversity?
Communication and culture are two of the most important and complex aspects of human life. Our daily lives are strongly affected by our own communication with others as well as by messages from people we do not even know. Everyone tries to make sense of their own experience. We assign meaning to what is going on, both inside us and around us. Sometimes the meaning is shared and sometimes it is not. Sometimes it is clear and others it is vague or contradictory. By understanding and discussing a variety of theories of communication and culture, we interpret events in more flexible, useful and discriminating ways.
The study of this basic theoretical module will help students widen their perception and become increasingly adaptable and flexible.
The topics covered in this module include Theory of Communication, Theory of Culture, Language and Image in the Media, Cultural Symbolism, History of Diversity in Europe, Identity and Values.

Interpersonal Communication Skills (8 credit points)
Interpersonal communication forms the basis for the success of our relationships, personal or professional. Yet, do we always know what our own communication style is and how it affects these relationships? Have we not experienced a situation where our words or gestures were misinterpreted? Effective communication is about mastering the fundamental dynamics of verbal and non-verbal communication and the skill of listening; it is about bridging differences in the perception of the message. This module will help you focus on skills and strategies to maximize your abilities to communicate effectively with colleagues, friends, managers, partners or clients.
Examples of issues to be covered in the module are Rhetoric and Public Speaking, Debating Techniques, Creative Negotiation Skills, Social and Organisational Psychology.

Intercultural Communication Skills (8 credit points)
We live in an increasingly diverse society, which makes intercultural communication skills an extremely important and topical concern. The module is designed to help you gain an understanding of principles, skills and practice needed in working with or within different cultures. It helps to examine and understand the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations brought about by the increasing cultural diversity around us, and to learn how to promote a positive attitude towards adopting, encouraging and managing diversity.
Examples of courses to be included in the module: Intercultural Communication, Religions and Philosophies, Competencies for Managing Diversity, and Survival Kit for Living Abroad.

Intercultural Society (8 credit points)
The module focuses on developing the personal dimension of intercultural communication. Students will explore the importance of diversity in an increasingly globalised world, will examine the interplay of globalisation with cultural diversity, and will understand the implications of population movements on individuals, organisations and countries. The module includes a large number of examples of cultural analysis provided by guest lecturers from the respective cultures.
During this module we will cover topics like Immigration and Acculturation, Multicultural Societies, Equal Opportunities Legislation, Demographics and Population Geography.

Intercultural Politics (8 credit points)
This module will introduce students to the dynamics of diplomacy as an exercise of political influence that comprises strategies, tactics and techniques. It will develop the student's ability to evaluate the context of international and economic relations within which diplomacy takes place, and to perceive the diversity issues that allow us to operate efficiently in an international political environment.
Basically students will understand the importance of cross-cultural and diversity issues in international politics, including the selection and preparation for overseas assignments, cross-cultural awareness, communicating across multinational political teams and the transfer of skills across cultures, repatriation and international negotiating skills.
The courses included in this module are: History of Diplomacy, International Law and Relations, Intercultural Conflict Management, Political Science, European Union Policies, Multilingualism, and “Shared Europe”-workshops.

Intercultural Business (8 credit points)
The fact that people travel easily around Europe and around the world in search of jobs has a significant impact on organisational strategies and brings cultural diversity very close to everyday life. Only by understanding the benefits and added-value of diversity can businesses achieve equality and cohesion in the workplace, on the one hand, and make full use of new potential markets and creative solutions, on the other hand.
By presenting and analysing concrete tools for working with cultural diversity in business, this module prepares students to respond dynamically to the challenges of the intercultural workplace. You will analyse the challenges posed by an increasingly diverse work environment and will learn how to solve potential conflicts resulting form this diversity.
Topics to be covered within this module include: The European Intercultural Workplace, Diversity Matters in Business, Teambuilding, Project Design and Management, and Work in International Organisations.