EPOKA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COURSE SYLLABUS
2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Title: INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING |
| Code | Course Type | Regular Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credits | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS 208 | B | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) | Prof.Dr. Osman Köroğlu okoroglu@epoka.edu.al |
| Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | M.Sc. Mikaela Süslü msuslu@epoka.edu.al , E-008, Tuesdays, 09:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00 |
| Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Language: | English |
| Compulsory/Elective: | Elective |
| Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) | Bachelor in International Marketing and Logistics Management (3 years) |
| Classroom and Meeting Time: | E-311, Mondays, 12:40-13:30, 13:40-14:30, 14:40-15:30 (Punctuality is a must) |
| Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Code of Ethics: |
Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline" |
| Attendance Requirement: | 60% - Absences are not justifiable. Medical reports are not accepted. Students who are not punctual, cause disturbance in the class by communicating with other students, or engage in activities not related to the lecture, will be considered as absent even if physically present. |
| Course Description: | This course serves as an introduction to the field of intercultural understanding and communication by looking at the practical application of theory and research. Intercultural Understanding focuses on the importance of culture in our everyday lives, and the ways in which culture interrelates with and influences communication processes. The course will cover several general topics including identity, perception, communication skills, culture, linguistic differences, stereotyping, and intercultural communication. This course provides an opportunity to enhance the intercultural experience, increase cultural competency, promote further understanding, and examine the various trends facing a uniquely diverse community. Enrollment is by permission of instructors. |
| Course Objectives: | (1) Increase the potential for peace and positive relationships between people from different cultures. (2) Help students see how intercultural competence can not only help them to facilitate positive change in the world but how it can support them in terms of employability and career success. (3) Develop the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and address issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion worldwide. |
|
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
|
| 1 | Intercultural Competence |
| 2 | Culture |
| 3 | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion |
| 4 | Cultural Values |
| 5 | Cultural Conflict |
| 6 | Intercultural Leadership |
| 7 | Internationalization |
| 8 | Stereotype |
| 9 | Prejudice |
| 10 | Discrimination |
|
COURSE OUTLINE
|
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Orientation & Introduction to the Course (24 February 2025) |
| 2 | CHAPTER 1 What Is Intercultural Competence and Why Do We Need it? Diversity, inequalities, cultural conflicts, intercultural competence. (pg. 1-15) / READING Chapter 1 The rules of the social game (pg.3-26) (03 March 2025) |
| 3 | CHAPTER 2 What Is Culture? How is culture defined. Levels of culture. Common values of deep culture. (pg. 25-57) / READING Chapter 2 Studying cultural differences (pg. 27-52) (10 March 2025) |
| 4 | CHAPTER 3 How Do We React to Cultural Differences? What is prejudice? Stereotypes. How do we feel about people? How do we discriminate by treating others differently? How do we reduce prejudice? (pg. 61-103) / READING Chapter 3 More equal than others (pg. 53-88) (17 March 2025) |
| 5 | National Holiday Nevruz Day (24 March 2025) |
| 6 | CHAPTER 4 How Do We Define Intercultural Competence? How is intercultural understanding achieved? What are the important milestones in developing intercultural competence? Which competences are more important? How can I identify steps to enhance my intercultural competence? (pg. 111-152) / READING Chapter 4 I, We, and They (pg. 89-135) (01 April 2025) |
| 7 | Presentations: Cultural Differences (7 April 2025) |
| 8 | MIDTERM WEEK (14-18 April 2025) |
| 9 | National Holiday - Catholic & Orthodox Easter (21 April 2025) |
| 10 | CHAPTER 5 How Can I Develop Intercultural Competence While at College or University? Initiatives foster the development of intercultural competence. Internationalization. How are universities ensuring equality and inclusion and promoting diversity? Intercultural (global) citizenship and education for democratic citizenship. (pg. 157-191) / READING Chapter 5 He, She, and S(he) (pg. 135-186) (28 April 2025) |
| 11 | CHAPTER 6 What Are Critical Incidents and How Can We Get the Most Out of Them? How to identify critical incidents? How do I turn negatives into positives? What are common misunderstandings and how can I be an intercultural mediator? The most important competencies for critical incidents. (pg. 197-221) / READING Chapter 6 What is different is dangerous (pg. 187-234) (5 May 2025) |
| 12 | CHAPTER 7 What Are the Links Between Intercultural Competence and Career Development. Do cultural differences really matter? How can I use intercultural competence to enhance my career prospects? (pg. 223-251) / READING Chapter 7 Yesterday, now, or later? (pg. 235-276) (12 May 2025) |
| 13 | Project Culture Day (22 May 2025) |
| 14 | CHAPTER 8 How Can We All Be Intercultural Leaders? Using intercultural competence to create change. Intercultural leadership and leaders. What is organizational cultural competence? What is corporate social responsibility. (pg. 253-277) / READING Light or Dark? (pg. 277-300) (26 May 2025) |
| Prerequisite(s): | |
| Textbook(s): | Intercultural Competence for College and University Students: A global guide for employability and social change, by Caprice Lants-Deaton and Irina Golubeva, Springer (2020) |
| Additional Literature: | READING: Cultures and Organizations - Software of the Mind, 3rd edition, by G. Hofstede, G. J. Hofstede, M. Minkov, (2010) CONCEPTS: Understanding Intercultural Interaction: An Analysis of Key Concepts, by Frank Fitzpatrick, Emerald Publishing Limited (2020) |
| Laboratory Work: | No |
| Computer Usage: | Yes |
| Others: | No |
|
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
|
| 1 | Understand the importance of intercultural competence and why is needed to manage diversity, inequalities, and cultural conflicts. |
| 2 | Learn about culture and cultural values |
| 3 | Talk about reactions to cultural differences: prejudice, stereotypes, emotions, behaviors |
| 4 | Define intercultural competence and identify the important milestones in developing intercultural competence |
| 5 | Learn how to identify critical incidents and mediate misunderstandings |
| 6 | Discuss how intercultural competence can be used to enhance career prospects |
| 7 | Define intercultural leadership and intercultural leader |
| 8 | Describe organizational cultural competence and corporate social responsibility |
| 9 | Discuss how to develop intercultural competence while in college or university |
|
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution) |
| No | Program Competencies | Cont. |
| Bachelor in International Marketing and Logistics Management (3 years) Program | ||
| 1 | Identify activities, tasks, and skills in management, marketing, accounting, finance, and economics. | 4 |
| 2 | Apply key theories to practical problems within the global business context. | 5 |
| 3 | Demonstrate ethical, social, and legal responsibilities in organizations. | 4 |
| 4 | Develop an open minded-attitude through continuous learning and team-work. | 5 |
| 5 | Use technology to enable business growth and sustainability. | 4 |
| 6 | Synthesize creativity needed for marketing notion with scientific method and numerical skills, for achieving business sustainability. | 2 |
| 7 | Apply the concepts and structures of modern marketing in global context at private and public sectors. | 1 |
| 8 | Integrate the management of logistics, supply chain and in total operations with corporate goals and strategies. | 3 |
|
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
|
| Method | Quantity | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam(s) |
1
|
25
|
| Presentation |
1
|
10
|
| Project |
1
|
30
|
| Final Exam |
1
|
35
|
| Attendance |
0
|
|
| Total Percent: | 100% |
|
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
|
| Activities | Quantity | Duration(Hours) | Total Workload(Hours) |
| Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) | 16 | 3.5 | 56 |
| Mid-terms | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Assignments | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Final examination | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Other | 1 | 2 | 2 |
|
Total Work Load:
|
125 | ||
|
Total Work Load/25(h):
|
5 | ||
|
ECTS Credit of the Course:
|
5 | ||
|
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER
|
|
As we conclude this course, we reflect on the importance of intercultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world. Throughout this journey, we have explored diverse cultural perspectives and recognized the significance of open-mindedness and empathy in global interactions. By engaging in discussions, research, and hands-on activities, we have not only expanded our knowledge of different cultures but also developed the ability to appreciate and navigate cultural differences with respect and curiosity. These insights are not just academic; they are essential skills for effective communication, collaboration, and leadership in today’s globalized environment. Moving forward, I encourage the students to continue fostering intercultural awareness in their personal and professional lives. Challenge stereotypes, seek to understand before judging, and embrace the richness that cultural diversity brings to our world. The more we engage with different perspectives, the more we grow—not just as students, but as global citizens. |