46487 - Psychology of Intercultural Communication (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired the ability to evaluate the influence of cultural processes on cognitive activity, their relevance and their impact in everyday communication situations.

Course contents

The course aims to introduce students to the effects of cultures and languages on cognitive processes. After an overview of psychology research paradigms and methodologies, recent empirical research will be discussed aimed at examining topics such as:

· Embodied and grounded, situated and distributed cognition;

· Extended mind, extended body;

· Nature and culture;

· WEIRD: universalism in psychology;

· Perception, attention and cultures;

· Categorization and cultural variability;

· Processes of thought and cultures;

· Communication and cultures;

· Language, languages and body;

· Linguistic relativity;

· Word as Tools;

· The case of abstract words;

· Stereotypes.

Readings/Bibliography

The list of books may undergo changes: do not proceed with the purchase before the start of the course. The topics of the course will mainly range from those covered in the following texts.

Book 1

Liuzza, M., Cimatti, F. e Borghi, A. (2010). Lingue, corpo e pensiero: le ricerche contemporanee. Carocci.

Book 2

Lotto, L. e Rumiati, R. Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione. Il Mulino, 2013 (II edizione).

Book 3

Tomasello, M. Le origini culturali della cognizione umana. Il Mulino, 2018.

Teaching methods

Lectures with Power Point presentations

Assessment methods

The exam will be written, of a mixed nature (multiple choice and open answers). Any group presentations or coursework for attending students will be decided at the beginning of the course based on the number of students.

Teaching tools

The Power Point presentation system will be used

Office hours

See the website of Valter Prpic