Social Participation and Intercultural Communication

fakultatywne

The course is dedicated to graduate students (studenci II stopnia)

Knowledge of English on the B2 level, both written and oral

The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the processes of communication and social participation in culturally diverse settings. We will focus especially on interactions in local communities where ethnic diversity, as a result of migration processes, proves an important characteristic. We will look at the potential difficulties to intercultural communication and analyse the barriers to involvement in social activities. We will also study possible actions aimed at building integrative and non-discriminatory encounters between diverse groups. The course will be interdisciplinary in character, drawing i.a. on studies in the fields of sociology, social and intercultural psychology, cultural and migration studies and human geography. Engagement in the course will empower students in their development of both analytical and practical skills in communicating across cultures as well as supporting participative social processes and designing inclusive social activities.

The course is focused on developing an understanding of communication and social participation in culturally diverse settings, in relation to dynamic migration processes. Participants will get acquainted with current academic literature and research in this respect.

Social participation is understood here as an involvement of migrants in social life – such as access to public services, taking part in local activities and decision-making. We will look at interactions in local communities, identify potential difficulties to intercultural communication and analyse the barriers to involvement in social activities.

We will be interested in issues such as: the existence of social and cultural boundaries, modes of inclusion, integrative and discriminative practices on the part of various social actors as well as “negotiations of difference”.

Apart from a theoretical stance, the course has strong practical implications. We will explore possible policies and social actions aimed at building integrative and non-discriminatory encounters between diverse groups. Students will be empowered to analyse, design and assist inclusive social processes. They will develop sensitivity and skills in communicating across cultures and acquire the knowledge useful in supporting social participation.

Suggested literature:

Chung L.C., Ting-Toomey S., Understanding Intercultural Communication, Oxford University Press.

Together in the EU. Promoting the participation of migrants and their descendants Report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

Horolets A., (2012), Migrants’ Leisure and Integration, Institute of Public Affairs Report.

Amin A. (2002). Ethnicity and the Multicultural City: Living with Diversity. Environment and Planning A 34(6): 959–980.

Dahinden J. (2013). Cities, Migrant Incorporation and Ethnicity: A Network Perspective on Boundary Work. Journal of International Migration and Integration. 14(1), 39-60.

Nowicka, M., and Vertovec, S., 2014. Comparing convivialities: dreams and realities of living-with-difference.

European journal of cultural studies, 17 (4), 341–356.

Neal S., Bennet K., Cochrane A., Mohan G. (2013). Living Multiculture: Understanding the New Spatial and Social Relations of Ethnicity and Multiculture in England. Environment and Planning C 31(2): 308–323

Wessendorf S. (2016), Settling in a Super-Diverse Context: Recent Migrants’ experiences of Conviviality, Journal of Intercultural Studies, vol. 37, issue 5, pp. 449-463.

Matejskova T., Leitner H. (2011). Urban encounters with difference: The contact hypothesis and immigrant integration projects in eastern Berlin, Social and Cultural Geography, t. 12, nr 7, s. 717–741.

KNOWLEDGE:

K_W04 Knows the terminology of social sciences and understands their role in culture; understands the interdependencies between different social disciplines, as well as their relationship with cultural research.

K_W06 Understands the value of an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis and interpretation of social changes in the modern world (especially in the Mediterranean countries and in Central and Eastern Europe).

ABILITIES:

K_U01 Is able to select and make a critical assessment of information coming from various scientific, popular science, journalistic and other sources.

K_U04 Is able to interpret social processes in an advanced and interdisciplinary way, especially the changes taking place in them.

K_U05 Is able to prepare an oral or written presentation taking into account the needs of recipients, in particular with the use of a range of digital tools; can present arguments to support her/his beliefs and knowledge in a logical and convincing manner.

SOCIAL COMPETENCES:

K_K04 Is ready to accept the competence to choose the most appropriate means to perform the indicated tasks.

K_K05 Is ready to show respect for partners in the discussion and uses substantive arguments; understands the principles of tolerance and cultural differences.

Requirements to achieve credit:

- active participation in class activities – both individual and groupwork 50%

- final project presentation 50%

A maximum of two absences in class meetings is allowed.