AJPV_VMK Inquiries in Intercultural Communication

Faculty of Education
Autumn 2011
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Michael George, M.A. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Irena Přibylová, Ph.D.
Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Contact Person: Jana Popelková
Timetable of Seminar Groups
AJPV_VMK/01: Wed 16:10–17:50 učebna 58, M. George
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This is not a class in American or British studies, but rather a course in cultural fluency with the emphasis on the difference in social and cultural patterns between the Czech Republic and English speaking lands. Classes will meet for two hours every week and will be organized as traditional seminars in which students are assigned texts on a given subject and come to class prepared to discuss it in open conversation around the seminar table.
The aim of the class is to: 1) Provide future teachers of English with the cultural background necessary for language teaching; 2) Integrate students into group speaking situations; 3) Analyze a cultural perspective that could mitigate the culture shock awaiting those students who plan to study abroad; and 4) Outline an introduction to Czech cultural norms for foreign students studying at Masaryk University, as well as a forum for them to share their insights with their Czech classmates.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction and organization
  • 2. Migration, integration and the changing world
  • 3. Culture shock and expectations
  • 4. What's normal? - for example Czechs and Americans
  • 5. Culture, values and language
  • 6. Cross cultural dialogs
  • 7. High/low context cultures
  • 8. Symbol, gesture and body language
  • 9. Cultural fluency
  • 10. Culture in language learning
  • 11. Culture shock revisited
  • 12. Conclusion and evaluation
Literature
  • PETERSON, Brooks. cultural Intelligence. Intercultural Press, 2004. info
  • SHULMAN, Myra. Cultures in Contrast. University of Michigan Press, 1998. info
  • NOLLEN, Tim. Culture Shock. London: Kuperard, 1997. ISBN 1-85733-190-7. info
  • MACIONIS, John and Nijole BENOKRAITIS. Seeing Ourselves. Prentice Hall, 1995. info
Teaching methods
Classes are organized as traditional "round table" discussion seminars in which students are assigned texts on a given subject, asked to find an example of such cultural behavior in "real life", and come to class prepared to discuss it in open conversation around the seminar table. Class meetings are supplemented with documentary videos and guest lectures when appropriate. All students research a subject pertinant to the field and either write it as a seminar paper or present it to the class.
Assessment methods
class attendance 85%, preparation, full class participation and research (either written or mini-presentation)
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
General note: kulturní seminář.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: 2 hodiny.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2011, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/ped/autumn2011/AJPV_VMK