INGLESE

B2+/C1 level of English, knowledge of one’s own culture, awareness of main problems and issues affecting social relations in the world today, a critical, open mind.

Provision of readings and audiovisuals;
Explanation/Analysis of readings;
Critical, interactive discussion.

The main objective of this course is to increase understanding of why intercultural relations are more important than ever in the world today. The course aims to make students more sensitive about how a breakdown in intercultural relations leads to political, economic and social problems.

We will explore the ways in which better strategies of intercultural communication can avoid such a breakdown and improve social and economic relations.


The goal is also to make students think in interdisciplinary and comparative ways outside their own cultures so that they can become more culturally competent and literate and become active agents of positive intercultural communication.

The historical origins of intercultural relations (missionary activity, imperialism); intercultural relations today: understanding diversity in the world and in the workplace; why intercultural relations are important in business and in the workplace; what are the key critical concepts we need to know when talking about intercultural relations (‘Orientalism’, ‘white privilege’, ‘black lives matter’ ‘undocumented migrant’, ‘political correctness’, ‘cultural appropriation’, ‘Eurocentrism’, ‘decoloniality’, ‘Islamofascism’ etc.

Written exam. 1 hour. Five questions requiring one paragraph answers relating to course material.
Oral presentation of a project (individual or group). Each student will be evaluated individually in the group project. Maximum 30 marks, 18 to pass.
For students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) who have contacted the University Disability/SLD Info Point to request support for the specific curricular exam, please note that the way the exam is taken can be adapted in accordance with the University Guidelines (https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Accoglienza_diversamente_abili).

Students should be able to express the key concepts and issues of the course topic and content in their own words. Equal weight will be given to both sophistication of argument and correctness of form.

Passing grades: from 18 to 30. Cum laude can be bestowed to outstanding performance.
Fail: below 18.

The final mark will be an average of the two components (oral presentation and written exam).

Bennett, Milton, J. (1998). Intercultural communication: A current perspective. In Milton J. Bennett (Ed.), Basic concepts of intercultural communication: Selected readings. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.

Further reading:
Ablonczy-Mihàlyka Livia. Cross-cultural communication breakdowns: case studies from the field of intercultural management

Gorrill, Jodie R. Doing Business in Malaysia.

Gullestrup Hans. The complexity of intercultural communication in cross-cultural management.