Intercultural Communications: USA and Germany

Content

Germans and other nationalities, who plan to study and work in the USA, will benefit greatly from this course. The premise is simple: understanding your culture and your own ‘mental software’ is a prerequisite to understanding other cultures. By first clarifying the (un-conscious) behavioral patterns of the Germans and then comparing them with Americans, we will increase cultural awareness, leading to more effective intercultural communications.

Topics include:

  • Examining the term ‘culture’
  • Overcoming ethnocentrism
  • Discovering American and German cultural values
  • Contrasting communication styles of the Germans and Americans
  • Negotiating and resolving German-American conflicts
  • Becoming aware of the different developing stages of intercultural competence

2-6 ECTS

Language of instructionEnglish
Organisational issues

Registration required via: https://plus.campus.kit.edu/signmeup/procedures/499