Communication Awareness

Department

International Program

Course unit code

IFLV6635

Number of ECTS credits allocated

3.0

Name of lecturer(s)

Mag.a Guibert Isabelle, MA

Recommended optional program components

none

Recommended or required reading

The required pre-course readings are accompanied by guiding questions to be completed before the course starts and are available on Sakai/Resources.

- Rogers, C., & Farson, R. E. (1987). Active listening. In R. G. Newman, M. A. Danzinger, & M. Cohen (Eds.), Communicating in business today. D. C. Heath & Company.
- Rosenberg, M. B. (2003). Nonviolent communication: A language of life. PuddleDancer Press. Required reading: Chapter 11, "Conflict Resolution & Mediation."
- Satir, V. (1988). The new peoplemaking. Science and Behavior Books. Required reading: Chapter 6, "Communication: Talking and Listening."The additional literature provides opportunities to broaden and deepen knowledge and explore the topics covered from different perspectives. Partly available on Sakai/Resources.

- Esteva, G. (2011). Intercultural inspiration : The life and work of Raimon Panikkar. In W. Dietrich et al. (Eds.), The Palgrave international handbook of peace studies: A cultural perspective (pp. 570-585). Palgrave Macmillan.
- European Commission. (1998). What? Me? A racist? A guide to the discussion of racism and xenophobia. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities.
- Zaki, J. (2019). The war for kindness: Building empathy in a fractured world. Crown.

Additional information about examination modalities

Written exam (100%) at the end of day 4.
Topics covered: All course content addressed during the course up to Monday 14 December 2026, at midday, including slides, in-class input, and assigned readings.
Missing the final exam will result in a negative grade.

Active participation: You can earn up to 5 extra points for active participation throughout the four course days. This includes attendance, completion of reading tasks, active engagement in plenary discussions and group work, and respect for the device-free learning environment.

Level of course unit

Bachelor

Year of study

Fall 2026

Semester when the course unit is delivered

1

Language of instruction

English

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Through active participation in the course you will work towards the following objectives:

- Identify your communication patterns and their impact on interactions in professional and private contexts.
- Develop an awareness of your cultural lenses and step back from your own cultural worldview and mindset to make space for others’ perceptions and gain new perspectives.
- Foster listening and empathic skills to communicate and connect more effectively with others.
- Express yourself non-violently to enable healthy interactions and foster connection.
- Explore your own needs and feelings to enhance emotional intelligence.
- Strengthen responsible (self-)leadership skills by deepening emotional awareness.
- Cultivate inner peace as a foundation for constructive and positive relationships.
- Step outside your comfort zone to become better equipped to cope with unexpected situations.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

- The teaching is dynamic, interactive, participatory, and unconventional.
- You will be regularly invited to reflect, share your perspectives, express your ideas, and work on yourself.
- Active participation and engagement are integral parts of the learning process.

Our sessions will be completely DEVICE-FREE: smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices will not be used in class.

Work placement(s)

none