XTO-22806 Cross-Cultural Studies

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Future tourism experts need to be able to navigate through complex and often hidden cultural elements when they are in a dialogue with a foreign culture. This course not only addresses the complexity of working in and with other cultures, but also focusses on broader societal processes of cultural change. The course mainly follows an interpretative, ethnographic approach to analysing issues such as cultural identity, ethnicity, acculturation, cultural globalization, hybridity, authenticity, cultural heritage and commodification. Furthermore, it offers a survey of main theories and principles of intercultural communication, applies semiotics to understand visual forms of intercultural communication, and teaches how to act in a cultural sensitive way.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- evaluate main theories and principles of intercultural communication;
- analyse cultural dimensions of tourism related interventions;
- apply cultural sensitivity in an international context;
- understand and apply semiotics as a methodology to understand the hidden dimension of culture.

Activities:

- literature study;
- lectures;
- plenary discussions;
- group and individual assignments, presenting.

Examination:

- written exam;
- participation in activities and discussions;
- individual and group assignments.

Literature:

To be announced.