CORE160 Intercultural (Mis)Communication: Bridging the Global Divide

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Khin-Wee Chen, PhD. (lecturer)
Ines Jahudka (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Khin-Wee Chen, PhD.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Boris Rafailov, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites (in Czech)
!TYP_STUDIA(ND) && !PROGRAM(B-MSZU)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40
Course objectives
• Explore and analyze the foundational concepts of intercultural communication, including cultural dimensions such as high/low context, power distance, and individualism/collectivism, as they apply across various fields.
• Examine the relationship between communication styles, linguistic diversity, and nonverbal cues, and their role in navigating cultural differences.
• Identify and deconstruct stereotypes and prejudices, encouraging students to engage with frameworks that promote empathy and inclusivity in global and local contexts.
• Facilitate connections between theoretical insights and real-world intercultural practices through immersive activities and reflective learning.
• Provide a framework for applying intercultural strategies to overcome challenges in professional collaborations, organizational contexts, and interpersonal interactions.
• Introduce students to the concept of cultural altruism in collectivist societies, highlighting its societal benefits and application in globalized environments.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Analyze and interpret the influence of cultural dimensions on communication in diverse contexts.
• Demonstrate adaptability in communication styles to address linguistic, nonverbal, and cultural differences.
• Critically evaluate stereotypes and prejudices, implementing strategies to promote empathy and inclusivity.
• Reflect on cultural immersion experiences and connect them to intercultural communication theories.
• Utilize effective intercultural communication strategies to solve problems and collaborate in professional and interpersonal global contexts.
• Appreciate the altruistic and societal benefits of cultural practices in various collectivist and individualist frameworks.
Syllabus
  • Week 1: Introduction to the Course and Intercultural Communication
  • Week 2: Foundations of Intercultural Communication
  • Week 3: Cultural Dimensions: Individualism vs. Collectivism, Egalitarianism vs. Hierarchy
  • Week 4: Linguistic Barriers and Context
  • Week 5: Non-Verbal Communication and Gestures
  • Week 6: Personal Space and Territoriality
  • Week 7: Power Distance and Leadership Styles
  • Week 8: Gender and Communication
  • Week 9: Time Management: Monochronic vs. Polychronic
  • Week 10: Stereotypes and Prejudices
  • Week 11: Conflict Resolution Across Cultures
  • Week 12: Universal Human Experiences in Cultural Immersion
  • Week 13: Final Project Presentations
Teaching methods
The course will be taught using a mix of interactive, experiential, and theoretical approaches. Classes will include lectures to introduce core concepts, group discussions, and case study analysis to deepen understanding. Students will engage in cultural immersion activities, reflective journaling, and collaborative group projects to apply course concepts in real-world contexts. The course emphasizes active participation, critical thinking, and teamwork, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that connects theory with practical applications.
Assessment methods
Attendance (10%)
Class Engagement (10%)
Weekly Reflection and Feedback (30%)
Integrated Group Project and Final Presentation (50%)
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2026, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2026/CORE160