Intercultural Skills: Theory and Practise

Objectives

Almost all professional psychologists encounter people with a different cultural background on a regular basis. Being able to deal with cultural differences (and to inform others) is an important part of a psychologist's skillset.

This course caters towards students who are interested in discovering the importance of translating cross-cultural knowledge into their future practice as a professional in many different ways, including as a consultant, researcher, and HR professional.

This course builds on the previously learned general theories (Cultural Psychology, 500308), and will (a) extend this expertise with practical knowledge and applications and (b) will enable students to apply this knowledge in hands-on assignments (roleplaying games, business cases, and video conferences). The course consists of three modules (lectures, negotiations, video conferences)

Content

Module 1: Interactive lectures - Practical and Applied Knowledge 
Module 1 is all about practical knowledge in selected areas of cross-cultural psychology that are particularly relevant for future professionals - ranging from assessment issues to insights into intercultural communication.

Several chapters are compulsory reading, as well as selected articles (references will be made available in Canvas)

Topics include: Acculturation, Identity, Intercultural Relations and Intercultural Communication, Assessment Issues.

Module 2: Negotiating in Intercultural Context

Students take part in real-life role plays focusing on negotiation and mediation processes. Students will have the chance of practicing the theoretical knowledge they acquired. The amount of training sessions depends on the number of participants. Students are expected to come prepared.

On top of that, students will work on a real-life business case, taking the role of a consultant. This case will come at the end of the course, and students are expected to draw on all previously discussed topics to advise the company.

Module 3: Intercultural Collaboration & Video Conferences & Mini-Ethnographies

Video Conferences will be held with the Universidad ESAN in Lima, Peru (http://www.esan.edu.pe/). Students are introduced to the mode of communication, and are made familiar with real-time interactions and collaborations across cultural boundaries. Students from Peru and the Netherlands are expected to work on assignments in- and outside the interactive video conferences, via chat and email. The video-conference facilities of the University will be used (room M20).

The final product will be an ethnographic report, which will include a Peruvian partner student for feedback. Students will also prepare small presentations at the beginning of the videoconferences, and are expected to have prepared the sessions and to actively participate in the group discussions.

[Note: This portion of the course is subject to change, depending on the needs of the partner course and the coordination details]

Grading

Exam: Students can choose 5 out of 7 open-ended questions to answer. The open-ended format ensures that students can show they have understood the topic in the areas they want to focus on. Transfer of knowledge will be valued higher than mere reproduction. It is expected that students will be familiar with the central concepts and theories of all topics that are discussed (counts 40%). 

Presentation/Moderation: Students will be graded on the quality of their presentations and moderations during the video conferences (counts 20%).

Ethnographic report:”Students will be graded on the scientific quality of their report (counts 40%).