Course Description
The course provides an exploration of the multifaceted aspects of an ‘intercultural’ communication, focusing on the cultural elements related to and embedded in social interactions. During the classes, students will familiarize with theoretical sources that fed a multidisciplinary scientific debate on intercultural communication (anthropology, linguistics, psychology, sociology). They will also be invited to engage in practical activities in small groups and in individual research projects. Selected articles, videos, as well as non-formal educational activities, will facilitate these tasks.
Questions around notions such as ‘identity’, ‘culture’ and ‘pluralism’ are some of the issues discussed during the course. They will be problematized by illustrating their complexities, historical changes, potential drawbacks and (un)intentional effects (stereotypes, prejudices, discriminations, inequalities, marginalizations). Reflections and experiences coming from international migrations and minoritarian groups will foster the discussion about socio-cultural bonds, boundaries and borders. Moreover, structural, institutional and social challenges will be confronted with experiences rooted in everyday life and settings. Finally, examples of how to deal with, mediate and overcome conflicts related to cultural gaps and encounters will be addressed.
The course aims to highlight current debates about socio-cultural interactions and transformations. It will offer opportunities to increase understanding, awareness and critical thinking about linguistic and non-verbal communication, intersectional aspects of inequalities in social interactions, advantages and challenges of multicultural/multilinguistic backgrounds, strategies to reduce and mediate bias and culturally-influenced conflicts.

Evaluation
20% Class participation
30% Oral presentation in class (in small groups of 2-3 students)
30% Individual written paper (4-5 pages)
20% Final exam

Readings
Selected articles and book chapters will be communicated at the beginning of the course. Additional resources and materials will be uploaded on the e-learning platform and will be easily accessible to students who attend the course.