Why does a "yes" sometimes mean "no"? Why is criticism regarded as honest and respectful in some places but a serious loss of face in others? And why is being five minutes late a sign of disrespect in some contexts but perfectly normal in others?

This course is designed to introduce students to both theory and practice of intercultural communication. The aim is to help students understand how culture shapes the way we perceive, speak, listen, and act, and to communicate more consciously in intercultural settings.

Students will explore key concepts and theories of intercultural communication and apply those concepts to real-life situations through role plays, case studies, as well as reflections on their own experiences of communicating in intercultural contexts.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain and apply basic concepts and theories of intercultural communication.
2. Describe and analyze intercultural communication and interaction in specific contexts, such as university and the workplace.
3. Use skills for effective intercultural communication in real-life situations.
4. Critically reflect on their own cultural identities and intercultural interaction.
5. Identify problems that can arise in intercultural interaction, such as misunderstandings, conflicts, or culture shocks, and develop constructive ways of dealing with them.
6. Critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of established models of intercultural communication.

Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/evaluation/course-evaluation.html