Learning outcomes

The multicultural nature of contemporary social contexts makes intercultural communication skills indispensable for existing in these contexts as citizens and as professionals. Human communication is a process that is fragile per se, and also exposed to misunderstandings. In interpersonal exchanges, individuals participating in a discussion bring subjective characteristics and cultural aspects from their own life experiences. Communication is therefore also always a kind of mediation.
In discussions among different speakers, the analogical and digital dimensions are tightly interwoven. Both are marked by cultural frameworks in which a language is simultaneously expression and co-constructor, as well as the representation of communicative awareness (personal style, culture of reference, communicative skills) of the participants in communicative processes. The proposed course is designed to promote the theoretical knowledge and communicative skills of the students.

Program

Expected educational results

• Acquisition of awareness of one’s own cultural frame of reference.
• Knowledge of fundamental structures of communicative processes.
• Acquisition of awareness of one’s own communicative style.
• Knowledge of fundamental mediation structures.
• Development of the ability to recognize and respect others in multiethnic and multicultural contexts.
• Development of communicative-relational skills.

Syllabus

- Cultural frameworks
- Representations of the other
- Communication
- Intercultural communication
- Conflict
- Intercultural mediation
- Negotiation

Bibliography


1. Cohen, Emérique, M., L’approccio interculturale nel lavoro con gli immigrati, in M. Santerini, P. Reggio (a cura di), Formazione interculturale: teoria e pratica, Unicopli, Milano, 2007, pp. 38-70.

2. Bennett M. (a cura di), Principi di Comunicazione interculturale, Franco Angeli, Milano 2002.

3. Portera, A., (a cura di), Le competenze interculturali, Franco Angeli, Milano 2013.

Examination Methods

Exams:
1) Written exam with essay questions on the texts listed in the reading list.
2)Individual micro-research or group research on the themes presented during the lesson. (on a topic to be agreed upon with the professor based on the educational program).

The written research consists of an argumentative essay through which the student examines and analyzes some of the concepts presented in the bibliography texts and explored them through an empirical micro-research with social-workers (ethnographic observation, shadowing, interviews questionnaires, etc. ), agreed with the professor.
It will be composed of a cover page (containing: student’s first and last name, student ID number, major, employment position, e-mail and telephone number); the central part of the essay in a brief summary; introduction, hypothesis and conclusion. The essay must be subdivided into sections, footnotes and a final bibliography. The essay must be printed on paper and deposited in the instructor’s hard copy mailbox (on the same floor as the instructor’s office on Via Vipacco) at least 15 days prior to the exam date selected by the student.