This course aims at introducing the concept of intercultural competence and exploring its practical implications in cross-cultural collaboration. The course starts with a brief introduction to the concepts of culture and the predominant models that describe cultural patterns and differences. The notions of intercultural competence and their applicability in global projects and culturally diverse teams are explored, with an emphasis on patterns that might emerge in the students' realities. Students will explore the practical application of the theoretical background in the form of exercises, case studies, scenarios, group work and debates in order to sharpen their awareness of their own cultural patterns and practice recognizing intercultural challenges and developing constructive ways to overcome them. In the course the multicultural composition of the student body will be used, if possible, as a “live” example to analyze challenges, share best practices, work on scenarios and develop intercultural competence together. Students will familiarize themseves with the concepts of inter-and transculturality, will be sensitized about their own cultural imprinting and become aware of approaches to manage cultural differences in intercultural teamwork and collaboration.

Examination and grading is based on the following parameters:

- Mandatory attendance to all classes (a successful completion requires at least 80%) of this course and of Theoretical Groundwork in Transcultural Collaboration.

- Active participation during class, excursions, guest lectures, and field trips

- Presentation of a case study

The course is open to GCSD (Global Challengs in Sustainable Development) Angewandte enrolled students and exchange students from Tongji University. Students from other departments, faculties, or universities will be given a place on the course subject to room capacities.

The complete course for all enrolled students consists of Introduction to Intercultural and Transcultural Collaboration and Theoretical Groundwork in Transcultural Collaboration.

The course takes place in presential format, in accordance with the Angewandte  COVID-19 regulations.