Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Intercultural Cooperation

Intercultural Cooperation
3
15126
1
Second semester
op
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish,

Teaching staff


Dra. KHAYO ZEIDAN, Samia Salim - sskhayo@uic.es

Introduction

Intercultural Cooperation (15 sessions x 100 minutes)

The Intercultural Cooperation course is a key component of the Master's program in Cooperation, Development, and Social Economy. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate cultural diversity in international development contexts effectively.

In today's interconnected world, cultural differences play a pivotal role in shaping interactions, partnerships, and the success of development initiatives. This course addresses these complexities by combining theoretical insights with practical applications, ensuring that participants develop cultural intelligence, ethical awareness, and adaptive leadership skills.

The course’s structure, divided into four thematic blocks, provides a comprehensive learning journey from foundational theories to applied practice. Through interactive lectures, experiential activities, and real-world projects, students will explore cultural identity, communication, ethical dilemmas, and stakeholder engagement. By the end, participants will be well-prepared to integrate intercultural considerations into their careers and contribute meaningfully to diverse and inclusive development efforts.

 

Assessment is designed to holistically evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical application of intercultural concepts. Students are assessed through active participation, reflective journals, case study analyses, and group projects. The course also includes personal development plans and a final presentation synthesize learning. 

Objectives

The course aims to equip students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively navigate cultural differences in international cooperation contexts. Students will develop cultural intelligence, learn to design culturally sensitive interventions, and build practical skills for cross-cultural communication and project implementation.

Learning outcomes of the subject

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand key theoretical frameworks of cultural differences and their impact on cooperation
  2. Develop intercultural communication skills for effective cooperation
  3. Analyze and navigate cultural challenges in development projects
  4. Apply cultural intelligence in diverse cooperation contexts
  5. Design culturally sensitive intervention strategies

Syllabus

This course explores intercultural dynamics in international cooperation and development. It progresses through four key areas:

  1. Foundations of Intercultural Understanding: Introduces core concepts of culture, identity, and intercultural communication; Explores cultural frameworks and develops cultural intelligence (CQ) through theoretical insights and interactive activities.
  2. Intercultural Competences in Practice: Focuses on practical skills such as leadership, ethical decision-making, and digital communication in multicultural settings; Enhances students’ ability to engage stakeholders and build inclusive strategies for development.
  3. Cultural Challenges in Development:Examines complexities like integrating local knowledge systems, resolving cultural tensions, and designing culturally sensitive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks; Develops skills to handle dynamic cultural interactions in development contexts.
  4. Applied Learning: Encourages real-world application through the design of culturally sensitive projects and reflective integration of learning; Prepares students for future professional roles with a focus on sustainable and inclusive practices.

 

Using students' diverse cultural backgrounds as a learning resource, the course combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications through case studies, role-play, and group projects.


  1. Session 1: Introduction to Interculturality and International Cooperation
  2. Session 2: Cultural Identity and Power Dynamics
  3. Session 3: Cultural Frameworks for Development
  4. Session 4: Communication Across Cultures
  5. Session 5: Cultural Intelligence (CQ) for Development

  1. Session 6: Intercultural Leadership in Development
  2. Session 7: Ethical Dimensions in Intercultural Development
  3. Session 8: Gender and Diversity in Development Cooperation
  4. Session 9: Digital Communication in International Cooperation
  5. Session 10: Stakeholder Engagement Across Cultures

  1. Session 11: Integrating Local Knowledge Systems
  2. Session 12: Navigating Cultural Tensions
  3. Session 13: Cultural Adaptation in Project Implementation

  1. Session 14: Project Development and Final Presentation
  2. Session 15: Integration and Future Applications

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Teaching and learning activities:

1. Interactive Methods
- Group discussions
- Role-playing exercises
- Case study analysis
- Cultural simulation activities

2. Applied Learning
- Project development
- Field experience analysis
- Guest speaker sessions
- Stakeholder mapping exercises

3. Reflective Practice
- Cultural self-assessment
- Portfolio development
- Peer feedback sessions
- Group reflections

4. Digital Learning
- Virtual team exercises
- Online collaboration tools
- Digital communication practice

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Assessment Methods

  1. Individual Portfolio (30%) 
  • Cultural self-reflection essays
  • Case study analyses
  • Field observations
  1. Group Project (40%) 
  • Design of culturally sensitive intervention
  • Presentation of findings
  • Implementation strategy
  1. Class Participation (30%) 
  • Engagement in discussions
  • Role-play participation
  • Peer learning contributions

Teaching and learning material


Print version