SFT41115 Intercultural learning and democratic culture: German (Autumn 2026)

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts and relevant topics within the fields of intercultural competence and democratic culture, framed within a didactic perspective. Examples include various concepts related to culture and interculturality, cultural values and cultural identity, concepts such as the multicultural classroom, democracy, citizenship, ethnocentrism, stereotypes, anti-discrimination, propaganda, as well as digitization processes.

Students also become acquainted with methods for promoting intercultural learning and democratic thinking, along with corresponding communication and learning strategies. The course further explores how physical encounters and digital learning tools can be used to support the developement of intercultural competence and democratic culture.

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of learning and interaction strategies that contribute to building intercultural competence
• has in-depth knowledge of how the development of intercultural competence and basic principles of democracy and citizenship can be maintained in teaching contexts
• has advanced knowledge of suitable digital tools that contribute to human interaction, cultural exchange, and democracy learning

Skills

The student

• can utilize their insight into intercultural communication and democratic discourse to develop their own and students' intercultural competence and critical thinking

General Competence

The student

• has a solid foundation for reflection, exchange of ideas, and attitude change
• is conscious of the importance of diversity of perspectives and democratic thinking in teaching and learning processes, and regarding the relationship between language, culture, identity, and citizenship

The course is online-based, with some synchronous sessions held on the university's learning platform. It is thematically structured, forming a basis for students' practice/theory-based forum and discussion posts on the university's learning platform. Through this work, students will become familiar with various interactive and communicative tools, including the development of writing and digital skills. Through this process-oriented approach, students will also become aware of different assessment practices in language teaching, such as formative assessment.

The language of instruction is German. Parts of the common reading materials are in English and Scandinavian languages.

The students are required to create between two and four written or oral (audio or video files) discussion posts on the university's learning platform during the semester, following specific guidelines and deadlines. At least one of the assignments should be subject to mutual feedback.

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required coursework must be approved before the student is eligible to sit for the exam.

Individual Portfolio Exam

The candidate is required to submit three individual written assignments during the semester according to specified guidelines and deadlines.

Two assignments are weighted 25% each, and one assignment is weighted 50%. A thoughtful and independent handling of research sources and correct referencing technique is included in the evaluation. The duration for each assignment is two weeks. Further information regarding the scope is detailed in the semester plan.

A single grade is given for the portfolio based on the grading scale A-F.

Feedback from our students is crucial for us to provide the best possible courses and study programmes. The course is evaluated each semester through interim and final assessments.

The results are processed by the Head of studies in dialogue with student representatives and instructors. The programme committee follows up on student evaluations at the department.