Culture and communication. Theoretical and pragmatic approaches to European values and their complications

The course looks at cultural misunderstandings that may arise in today’s society and explores possible theoretical, historical and practical solutions.

About the course

The course is open to all BA and MA students of humanities regardless of their discipline. It aims to include students from different European countries and to map issues emerging in everyday interaction, caused by differences in cultural backgrounds and by different interpretations of the respective roles of the individual and society. Such misunderstandings may be manifested between countries as well as between different communities within the same country. Students are invited to reflect on six sub-themes on the basis of their own experiences and the theoretical tools provided during the course: family, politeness, media, time, space and memory. The course ends with a group project, a mini-documentary illustrating the problems discussed and a follow-up discussion.

Learning outcomes

Students understand culture-specific features and can analyse different situations on the level of the individual, practices of cultural communities and linguistic expression.

In addition to general cultural knowledge and intercultural communication competence, students will develop teamwork skills, empathy and generalisation skills that help them cope in mentally challenging situations.

Programme

The first two weeks of the course take place in Tartu: there will be three theoretical lectures and three seminars which give students specific guidelines for teamwork and preparatory teamwork. In addition, students will participate in a cultural programme and student events that support the acquisition of material introduced in lectures and seminars. Students will complete the second part of the course in the countries of origin. The teamwork will end with an up to 6 min short documentary that addresses one of the topics discussed. This will be followed by joint discussion and feedback via Zoom.

Assessment

Participation in teamwork

Lecturers

Marcin Raiman marcin.raiman@ut.ee

Raili Marling raili.marling@ut.ee

Janika Päll janika.pall@ut.ee

Francisco Espino Esteban francisco.espino.esteban@ut.ee

Stéphane Lojkine stephane.lojkine@univ-amu.fr

Practical details

Focus area: Equity

Study Field: Humanities

Study level: BA and MA

Type: Course

Format: Blended

Host: University of Tartu

Course dates: From 28 August to 10 September 2023 (in Tartu), until 13 December 2023 (digital)

Apply: From 15 March to 15 April 2023

ECTS: 3

Travel and accommodation allowances are paid following the Erasmus programme rules of the participant’s home university. During their stay in Tartu, students can stay in a double room (22.50 € per person).

Who can apply

Ghent University

Uppsala University

Aix-Marseille University

Paris 8 University Vincennes – Saint-Denis

University of Tartu

Five participants will be selected from each university.

Send your application by 15 April 2023 to age.allas@ut.ee and tanel.lepsoo@ut.ee and/or contact your Erasmus coordinators.

Application documents

CV and motivation letter (max 1 page) that explains how the learning outcomes will contribute to the applicants’ professional career or individual development.

Students who have not participated in study exchanges before and have not spent time abroad will be given a priority in the selection process.