Working and communicating across cultures (1.5 credits) – 2024

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this course will close on 13 September

Aims and objectives

The aim of this course is to allow the students to familiarize themselves with how intercultural competence and communication might impact and contribute to the work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course will foster awareness and understanding of different perspectives and priorities regarding sustainability, especially from the social dimension – starting from the individual and considering how one’s own ways of thinking and doing might affect and be affected by culture. How does our own “individual backpack” influence the way we work across academic, professional, disciplinary and/or background cultures?

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Identify ways in which intercultural competence and humility can contribute to the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Discuss issues related to teaching and learning in a multilingual and multicultural environment
• Explain the meaning of culture in different professional contexts and evaluate the possible implications for international collaboration and teamwork
• Reflect upon their own contributions to successful group work and identify ways in which they might act, work, and communicate with increased cultural awareness.

Entry requirements

The course is freely available to PhD students and postdocs, and in some instances teaching staff, from universities in the Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030). Students from other universities may also potentially join, subject to the course fee and availabilty of places.

Course content

This course is envisioned as a way to further develop the generic skills repertoire of doctoral students, giving them an opportunity to approach sustainability from a critical lens in their future careers, including in teaching and research.

Working towards the implementation and achievement of the SDGs will require increased collaboration across borders, universities, and disciplines. This course will explore the meaning of culture in different contexts and its potential impact on international collaboration and teamwork, while also considering teaching and learning implications. PhD students will reflect on how to work across cultures and effectively communicate with those who might be different from them.

Teaching format

This 100% online course will be delivered with the use of a Learning Management System (Canvas) and using Zoom as a communication system. Teaching and learning activities will include synchronous and asynchronous activities for example online meetings, pre-recorded lectures, individual and group assignments, group discussions, independent study and case studies.

Timetable

The course will be given during 4 weeks in total, starting 20 September 2024, with 25% study pace. This course is therefore equivalent to 5 days of full-time studies. Two synchronous course meeting days will be scheduled (meeting times TBC to best facilitate participant's time zones). 

Examination

This course will be graded Pass or Fail.

In order to pass the course, participants will need to complete and hand in all individual and group assignments, including online peer-reviews, discussions, and reflections, as well as participate in scheduled synchronous meetings, when applicable.

Course Leader

Alexandra D’Urso, SLU

Contact for further information

Paul Egan (GCUA 2030 coordinator) – gcua@slu.se