The course supports the development of communicative competence, especially intercultural communication competence, and leads students towards a broader, context-aware understanding of texts written in foreign languages. The course introduces different approaches to the interpretation of cultures and the possibilities for comparing cultures, including in the context of translation, we well as contemporary critical approaches to culture in the context of globalization.
About the course
Content
Theoretical treatments will be complemented by numerous case studies and examples through which students acquire the skill of analyzing intercultural differences and similarities in a context-aware manner and to avoid problems of intercultural communication in practice.
Learning outcomes
- Students will gain an understanding of the main principles of culture and communication and are able to analyze case studies of intercultural communication.
- Students develop communicative and intercultural communication competence, broad and context-sensitive analysis of texts in foreign languages, cultural sensitivity, group work and self-expression skills.
Teaching methods
Listening to pre-recorded lectures and completing the required tasks. The course is 100% web-based and can be completed asynchronously.
Students receive 60% of the points for tasks on Moodle. All students are expected to complete the two required tasks and make at least one forum posting during the semester. The postings should proceed from the questions asked, lecture materials or other materials made available on Moodle. Students are expected to show their analytical skills in the postings and engagement with the contributions of the other students.
Students receive 40% of the points for a group presentation or an independent written case study, depending on the students' personal preference. The 15 min group presentation should proceed from one of the models of cultural analysis introduced in the lectures and apply it critically to the analysis of a specific cultural text/issue. Presentations are recorded and uploaded to Moodle. The written case study (about 1000 words) should proceed from one of the models of cultural analysis introduced in the lectures and apply it critically to the analysis of a specific cultural text/issue. Students choose between the two forms of assessment by the end of March. Assignments are due on June 11.
Programme
Topics to be covered:
1. Concept of culture and communication
2. Culture and values
3. Independent reading: Samovar, Porter & Stefani: Hofstede's Value Dimensions and Hall's High Context/Low Context
4. Online workshop: value dimensions in different cultures
5. Culture, space and time use
6. Culture and politeness
7. Independent reading: Sajavaara: Silent Finn Revisited + self-check quiz
8. Language and thought
9. Language, thought and culture
10. Independent reading: Nisbet: Is the World Made up of Verbs or Nouns. Journal assignment
11. Intercultural communication and translation
12. Independent work in groups: preparing group presentations or group assignments
13. Conclusions: self-assessment quiz
14. Written case study analyses
Assessment
Non-differentiated (pass, fail, not present). Listening to recorded lectures and completing the required tasks on Moodle.
Students who want to complete the course need to:
1) participate in Moodle forums (60%)
2) present a group presentation OR write an individual case study analysis (40%). See info on teaching methods.
Lecturers
Raili Marling, Katiliina Gielen
Course dates
This course takes place in the second semester of the academic year 2025-2026. It starts in the week of February 9.
Info on course schedule is available HERE.
How to apply?
Entry requirements: none
For application, please use this form. Apply by January 26, 2026.
Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. The University of Tartu will select the permitted number of students and inform the admitted students as soon as possible.
Before applying, please check with your home faculty or programme whether the course can be integrated into your curriculum to ensure recognition of the credits obtained. Students from Ghent University need to obtain faculty approval by filling this form and have it signed by Faculty Student Administration.
Information per university
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bordeaux:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Tartu:
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Contact
Raili Marling: