The module covers key aspects of cross-cultural psychology and more broadly the relationship between culture and human behavior. Three particular domains of study are included in this module 9learning outcomes in brackets: • Knowledge about how culture can affect human communication and intergroup contact • Developing skills in regard to intercultural competence • Knowledge about cross-cultural adaptation • Raising awareness about the importance of culture in regard to adaptation intergroup relations

The module covers 6 areas of cross-cultural psychology: 1. Intercultural relations and the dynamics of acculturation: • Mutuality in acculturation: acculturation theory and intergroup relations • Intergroup dynamics that impact acculturation 2. The social psychology of multiculturalism: • What is multiculturalism • Two perspectives: the individual migrant and the majority culture 3. Cross-cultural adaptation • Theoretical approaches to adaptation • Adaptation and acculturation, biculturalism and frame-switching • Predictors and outcomes of adaptation 4. Cultural Differences in Communication • Cultural artifacts/values/assumptions of communication • Cultural dimensions and communication • Verbal and non-verbal communication across cultures 5. Communication in the multicultural workplace • Communicating diversity perspectives • Intercultural conflict/negotiation 6. Communication technologies / Intercultural Competences • Influence of new media on intercultural contact • Intercultural competences in (virtual) teams

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Explain what acculturation is and how it affects intercultural relations - Explain the different acculturation strategies, their dynamic nature and the intergroup factors that impact them - Explain what multiculturalism is and how it shapes acculturation outcomes and intercultural relations. - Explain what cross-cultural adaptation is, what are its different dimensions and what processes are behind it - Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of cross-cultural adaptation and identify its different predictors and outcomes at both the individual and social level - Explain how communication differs across cultures - Demonstrate an understanding of how cultural differences and diversity perspectives affect employees in organizations - Demonstrate an understanding of how new media affect intercultural communication - Explain how intercultural competences affect communication in teams

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - manifest increased intercultural sensitivity, awareness and competence. - display an increased ability to take perspectives and exercise empathy. - display more openness to intercultural contacts

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The teaching methodology is based on familiarizing students with the theoretical background that explains intercultural contact and communication and the possible difficulties that may arise. Students will also learn about empirical findings that lend support to these theories. Although they are likely to have some lay knowledge about culture, intercultural pitfalls in communication and acculturation processes, exposing them to the academic literature in the field will stimulate to rethink and re-evaluate about what they know so far about these topics. In-class discussions about their own intercultural and adaptation experiences and exercises on real case studies will help them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real life events which will ultimately foster their learning process. Students will also watch brief videos that illustrate components of human communication and how their expression and interpretation varies across cultures. The reading assignments, group work and practical exercises will lead to an active elaboration of the learning contents. This mix of teaching methodologies will help students to increase their knowledge about intercultural contact and communication, raise awareness about the importance of culture in this domain and increase their skills to competently deal with people from different cultures. This course will use a mix of the following teaching methodologies: • Lecture by teacher • Class discussions • Brief videos demonstrating intercultural contact and communication situations • Group work and presentations • Reading assignments • Active participations in intercultural training exercises • Discussion of real life examples and students¿ own experience Evaluations are ongoing throughout the module.