COURSES

Content

This 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. 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

Upon successful completion of the course, students will: 

• will gain an understanding of the main principles of culture and communication and are able to analyze case studies of intercultural communication.
• develop communicative and intercultural communication competence, broad and context-sensitive analysis of texts in foreign languages, cultural sensitivity, group work and self-expression skills. 

Programme

Topics covered in the course include:

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 

Teaching format

The format revolves mainly around listening to pre-recorded lectures and completing the required tasks on Moodle. 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. 

Assessment method(s)

Non-differentiated (pass, fail, not present).

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 format. 

Lecturers

Raili Marling and Katiliina Gielen  

Course dates

This course takes place in the second semester of the academic year 2026/2027. It starts in the week of February 8.  

Info on course schedule is available here. 

Entry requirements: No specific entry requirements. Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities and from all disciplines with basic programming skills are eligible to participate.

For application, please fill in this form (link available from November 2). Apply by January 15, 2027. 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.

You can find the course description here.

Contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information:

• 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., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern
• 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. , see application instructions for students at the Comenius University Bratislava
• 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., see information about BIP's and virtual courses
• 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. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University

Raili Marling: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.