Intercultural Communication
UWC Costa Rica Workshop Series:
Intercultural Communication This course explores the development of communication as it relates to social science, in the context of an international community, and with special emphasis on intercultural competence and peace leadership. Audiences that could benefit from this workshop include leaders, educators, activists and adolescents. The full workshop is a total of 16 hours. We also offer sessions per module(s). Purpose The main intention of this course is to provide participants the opportunity to learn about the crosscultural differences in communication with the hope that this knowledge will be effective in making them better communicators in a broad range of contexts while simultaneously allowing them to gain valuable skills for global citizenship. Objectives 1. Present audiences with theories of intercultural communication 2. Teach intercultural topics, including communication styles, perception, values, intercultural adaptation and mediation techniques 3. Demonstrate how understanding of intercultural concepts can aid individuals in a variety of different contexts 4. Introduce intercultural communication exercises which highlight experiential learning Content I.
II.
III.
Learning styles a. Experiential learning cycle b. The learning style inventory c. The learning model instrument d. Learning styles and intercultural communication Introduction to intercultural communication a. Generalization vs. stereotype b. Culture, communication style and intercultural communication concepts c. Communication style continuum d. Non-verbal intercultural communication e. Interpersonal perception Intercultural adaptation a. Culture b. Values contrasts
IV.
c. Cultural shock d. Intercultural adaptation (emphasis on development model of intercultural sensitivity and cultural marginality) Negotiation across cultures a. Culture b. Communication styles c. Values contrasts d. Five cultural issues to consider e. Cultural detective f. Mediation techniques across cultures
Methodology As part of this module’s methodology, audio-visual content will be used in the development of some topics as means to presentations and lectures. The teaching method for this workshop is largely experiential; therefore various instructional techniques will be used. UWC Costa Rica’s competencies—social responsibility, diversity, conflict transformation, leadership, healthy living and sustainability—will be incorporated throughout the workshop by way of exercises, readings and guided discussions. Competencies Conflict Transformation: Participants will come to understand the cultural context and sub-context of the message they emit and of its reception so as to avoid conflict, approaching the situation with the understanding that communication can be culturally dependent. Diversity: The workshop will aim to facilitate mutual understanding by highlighting how communication is affected by culture. Participants will come to understand the complexity of communication thereby ensuring compassion for differences.
In an increasingly global world, it is necessary to have the tools to interpret information from a broad range of sources. The exchange of information is not transmitted solely through language. We aim to bring awareness of different communication channels and styles in order to promote mutual understanding and create a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.
Intercultural Communication This course explores the development of communication as it relates to social science, in the context of an international community, and with special emphasis on intercultural competence and peace leadership. Audiences that could benefit from this workshop include leaders, educators, activists and adolescents. The full workshop is a total of 16 hours. We also offer sessions per module(s). Purpose The main intention of this course is to provide participants the opportunity to learn about the crosscultural differences in communication with the hope that this knowledge will be effective in making them better communicators in a broad range of contexts while simultaneously allowing them to gain valuable skills for global citizenship. Objectives 1. Present audiences with theories of intercultural communication 2. Teach intercultural topics, including communication styles, perception, values, intercultural adaptation and mediation techniques 3. Demonstrate how understanding of intercultural concepts can aid individuals in a variety of different contexts 4. Introduce intercultural communication exercises which highlight experiential learning Content I.
II.
III.
Learning styles a. Experiential learning cycle b. The learning style inventory c. The learning model instrument d. Learning styles and intercultural communication Introduction to intercultural communication a. Generalization vs. stereotype b. Culture, communication style and intercultural communication concepts c. Communication style continuum d. Non-verbal intercultural communication e. Interpersonal perception Intercultural adaptation a. Culture b. Values contrasts
IV.
c. Cultural shock d. Intercultural adaptation (emphasis on development model of intercultural sensitivity and cultural marginality) Negotiation across cultures a. Culture b. Communication styles c. Values contrasts d. Five cultural issues to consider e. Cultural detective f. Mediation techniques across cultures
Methodology As part of this module’s methodology, audio-visual content will be used in the development of some topics as means to presentations and lectures. The teaching method for this workshop is largely experiential; therefore various instructional techniques will be used. UWC Costa Rica’s competencies—social responsibility, diversity, conflict transformation, leadership, healthy living and sustainability—will be incorporated throughout the workshop by way of exercises, readings and guided discussions. Competencies Conflict Transformation: Participants will come to understand the cultural context and sub-context of the message they emit and of its reception so as to avoid conflict, approaching the situation with the understanding that communication can be culturally dependent. Diversity: The workshop will aim to facilitate mutual understanding by highlighting how communication is affected by culture. Participants will come to understand the complexity of communication thereby ensuring compassion for differences.
In an increasingly global world, it is necessary to have the tools to interpret information from a broad range of sources. The exchange of information is not transmitted solely through language. We aim to bring awareness of different communication channels and styles in order to promote mutual understanding and create a more peaceful and sustainable future for all.
