Contents and Goals The LMU Munich's new master's program in “Intercultural Communication“ offers an opportunity to intensively study intercultural affairs. In today's multicultural, globalized societies one is expected to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from different cultures. Having had international experience, many people consider themselves open and flexible and believe they are able to meet these expectations. However, they soon discover that it is much more difficult in actual intercultural encounters than they anticipated. In many areas, be it in personal experiences, social networks or international relations, cultural otherness can lead to problems. One of the greatest present-day challenges is how to solve these problems. Taking up this challenge is the point of departure of the “Intercultural Communications“ Master's Program. The main concern is to study the many different forms of dealing with interculturalism. This is done by “the ethnography of intercultural action”, i.e, the representation of intercultural action from the viewpoint of different actors, respectively different cultural perspectives. The student should acquire the theoretical, methodical and factual knowledge that enables him to
- analyze and interpret intercultural activities and contexts from different perspectives
- plan and carry out research projects on intercultural issues
- act interculturally competent in everyday practice.
Intercultural communication is understood as communication between actors of or considered to be of different cultures. Communication and culture are seen as a dialectical relationship: communication generates culture which is a prerequisite for communication. The heart of the program are theories and methods that permit a balanced and process-oriented study of intercultural topics and problems. Cultural difference is seen both as a social construct and a social fact. In other words, on the one hand, we approach cultural difference as generated by interactive processes, and, on the other hand, we focus on the effect of cultural difference on communication. The course of study covers the following subjects:
- Culture and cultural differences
- Interpersonal and intergroup communication
- Ethnocentrism and acculturation
- Multiculturality and diversity
- Migration and transnational networks
- Interculturality in multinational organizations
A focal point of the program is training in qualitative research methods, especially ethnographic and action research methods. From the very beginning, students will acquire competency in practice, which will be deepened and solidified by either professional or research project experience. Particular value is placed on combining research and practice as well as working with methods that can be applied in both domains. More to the course contents (only in German).
The Master's Program in Intercultural Communication is of interest for anyone:
- considering taking up aspects of intercultural communication in research or education
- considering working in planning and organization, consulting and mediation, training and further education in multinational organizations and in facilities and institutions of a multicultural society.
- The courses are held in German!
Questions and course guidance
Gregor Sterzenbach: by appointment
Course of study coordination
Paul Hempel: by appointment