Cross-cultural information and communication. Middle East and Southeast Asia

elective courses

Classroom

The aim of the course is to stimulate critical and knowledge-based reflection on understanding the influence of social rules, religion, and politics on communication and information behaviour in the countries being the subject of this course. Knowledge acquired during the course will be useful not only during university studies but also in everyday life. The course content will familiarize students both with theory and practice; it will present how religious, social, cultural, and political norms reflect on everyday life.

The aim of the course is to stimulate critical and knowledge-based reflection on understanding the influence of social rules, religion, and politics on communication and information behaviour in the countries being the subject of this course. Knowledge acquired during the course will be useful not only during university studies, but also in everyday life. The course content will familiarize students both with theory and practise; it will present how religious, social, cultural, and political norms reflect on everyday life.

During the course, the following issues will be discussed:

• Access to information in the aspect of human rights

• Information and social equality

• Culture, politics, religion of the countries of the Middle East and Southeast Asia

• Access to information in these countries (freedom of speech, freedom of expression)

• Information needs and informational activities of societies

• Nationalism and post-colonial identity

• Stereotypes

• Fake news, propaganda, limited access to information

• Cross-cultural communication

• Cross-cultural competencies

• Multiculturality

• Indigenous peoples

• The impact of culture on science and functioning in an international environment

Readings:

Selected chapters from:

Antons, C. (Ed.). (2019). Routledge Handbook of Asian Law. London, New York: Routledge.

Cheng, T., & Chu, J. (Eds.). (2018). Routledge Handbook of Democratization in East Asia. London, New York: Routledge.

Laungani, P. D. (2007). Understanding cross-cultural psychology. Eastern and Western perspectives. London: Sage.

Owen, N. G. (Ed.). (2016). Routledge Handbook of Southeast Asian History. London, New York: Routledge.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (10 December 1948).

Zhao, Y. et al. (Ed.). (2011). Handbook of Asian Education: A Cultural Perspective. New York: Routledge.

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Student gains a basic knowledge on countries situated in the regions being a subject of the course, their current political and social situation.

2. Student is able to reflect deeply on the impact of social rules, religion, and politics on communication and information behaviour in these countries.

3. Student has knowledge of access to information and information management in these countries.

SKILLS:

1. Student identifies and analyzes different cultural, religious, and social landscapes of the countries situated in the regions being a subject of the course.

2. Student is able to critically analyze the impact of social rules, religion, and politics on communication and information behaviour in these countries.

3. Student can analyze the interdependence of law, religion, and culture in these countries.

4. Student can define currents of thoughts and religions in these countries.

5. Student knows how to communicate and what to expect from the representatives of the countries situated in the regions being a subject of the course.

COMPETENCES:

1. Student is aware of what the term “cross-cultural competencies” means and s/he should not have difficulties with understanding and cooperation with individuals representing different cultures.

2. Student is able to critically analyze media discourse on the Middle East and Southeast Asia cultures and societies.

Grading: Presence and preparation for classes (readings) and discussion during classes (60%); individual work - infographics or poster on a chosen topic (40%).

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