GER 498:  Mini-seminar 'Intercultural Communication'
Session I (June 22-July 11) 1 credit

2008 Topic: 'Intercultural Communication'
Seminarleitung:  Yvonne A. Henze, Aston University Birmingham, UK

Students who study in Germany or go on an international placement face a major life change. They not only have to manage the transition from American to German university system and from study to work but they also have to adapt to a new environment, build new relationships, and adjust to a new culture. The impact of culture in this transition is a big challenge for them. Effective cultural adjustment is a prerequisite for good study and placement performance and an enjoyable time abroad.

The goal of this 1-credit seminar is to familiarize the students with the ways people in the new culture (Germany) think and act and provide them with the knowledge and skills to interact effectively once they are in Germany. The course is supposed to make participants aware of the impact of culture and their own culture standards, give them the knowledge about cultural differences between the American and the German culture.
 

The goal of this 1-credit seminar is to familiarise the students with the ways people in the new culture (Germany) think and act and provide them with the knowledge and skills to interact effectively once they are in Germany. The course is supposed to make participants aware of the impact of culture and their own culture standards, give them the knowledge about cultural differences between the American and the German culture.

Course contents:

• Provide insight into different aspects of the German and American culture such as norms and values, verbal and non-verbal communication

• Students will develop sensitivity to and awareness of the similarities and dissimilarities between other cultures and societies and their own

• An ability to appreciate and critically evaluate oneís own culture

• Intercultural awareness and understanding

• The students will be prepared to understand, respect and appreciate the differences between their own and the German culture

• Doing business in Germany

• Intercultural competence

Course prerequisite: Ger 216

Instructor: Yvonne A. Henze is currently doing her doctoral thesis on Intercultural Training of American employees working in the German headquarter, has taught university courses on Intercultural Communication and Competence in England and is accredited as a Business Cultural Trainer.

For details on ÇIntercultural communicationí please contact Yvonne A. Henze
 (yvonne_henze@yahoo.com )