78680 - Mediation - German (LM)

Learning outcomes

The global aim of this course – which includes lectures and practical language classes – is to provide students with an expert knowledge of theories of international and intercultural communication. The students are expected to be familiar with the socio-cultural and linguistic factors affecting communication between speakers with different cultural backgrounds. They are introduced to techniques and skills which will enable them to mediate conflicts born of intercultural differences, with special regard to German-Italian encounters. Moreover, they are given the opportunity to develop their research competence and presentation skills, both orally and in written form. The language classes aim at improving students’ linguistic competence; over the two year period students’ knowledge of German should reach level C1.2 according to the European framework in all four abilities. These classes will work in connection with the lectures to improve students’ oral and writing skills in particular.

Course contents

Erasmus students intending to attend the course are requested to contact Prof. Rieger (marie.rieger@unibo.it).

 

The course "Mediation - German" comprises two parts:

1. Lezioni frontali/lectures in linguistics taught by the course professor (prof. Rieger) during the first semester. This component is made up of a total of 60 hours.

2. Esercitazioni di lingua/Language classes - This component is made up of a total of 36 hours taught by Enrico Mina during the second semester.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

The 9 ECTS credits for Mediation German are indivisible and will only be awarded once all the required assessments for both lectures and language courses have been passed (see also below).

All students must complete all partial assessments. Only those whose mother tongue is German or who hold a school-leaving certificate (Abiturzeugnis) issued by a German-speaking institution are exempt from the language course (esercitazioni) assessments.

 

1. Lezioni frontali

In this course, the term mediation is understood as a method for resolving interpersonal conflicts in a way that leads to a positive outcome for all parties involved. Intercultural mediation seeks in particular to identify those aspects of interpersonal conflicts that stem from cultural differences. The main objective of the course is to impart theoretical and practical skills that enable the resolution of conflicts in the professional environment that stem from cultural differences, with a special—though not exclusive—focus on collaboration between individuals of Italian language and culture and those of German language and culture.

Accordingly, the course introduces the principles and techniques of the mediation process. These include, among other things, the concepts of Konflikt, Konfliktpartei, einvernehmliche Lösung, the mediator’s role, the goals of mediation, and the various phases of the mediation process. Particular attention is paid to the linguistic aspect of mediation (linguistic routines and communication techniques).

Furthermore, concepts such as (national) culture and the specific characteristics of intercultural communication are discussed. In addition, methods and models aimed at identifying and describing cultural differences between societies and countries are presented, with a particular—though not exclusive—focus on Germany and Italy.

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify potential points of conflict in intercultural encounters and, together with the parties to the conflict, propose solutions to the conflict.

 

2. Esercitazioni/Language classes

The language classes aim to consolidate and expand students' language skills, with particular emphasis placed on oral communication skills, and to broaden critical reading skills.

 

Readings/Bibliography

The lezioni frontali/lectures are based in particular on:

Mayer, Claude-Hélène (2008): Trainingshandbuch Interkulturelle Mediation und Konfliktlösung. Münster (Waxmann).

The same text is also available in English:

Mayer, Claude-Hélène (2020): Intercultural Mediation and Conflict Management Training: A Guide for Professionals and Academics. Cham: Springer International Publishing. [book and e-book]

Additional readings to explore the topics discussed in greater depth will be assigned during the course.

 

Readings for the esercitazioni/language course will be announced at the start of the course.

Teaching methods

Both lectures and language classes are interactive in nature, requiring all students to participate actively.

During lectures/lezioni frontali, periods of instruction alternate with group work and simulations.

The Esercitazioni/language classes have a seminar-based structure; therefore, students will be required to participate actively in classes and to prepare the indicated study materials to ensure classes run properly throughout the semester.

The addressed Topics are related to intercultural mediation and the cultural competences it depends upon. In particular, topics such as the definition of culture, critical whiteness and "migrantisation" will be covered.

Assessment methods

Please note: AI can be a useful tool to support independent study by providing in-depth analysis, summaries, and self-assessment exercises. With regard to assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during in-person exams. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

 

Lezioni frontali/Lectures

Attending students

For attending students, the assessment consists of two oral exams. Please note that students who wish to take the exam as attending students should attend classes with a certain degree of regularity.

The first exam consists of a presentation (in German), given toward the end of the course. The presentation will be prepared and delivered in small working groups. The main objective of the presentation is to explore in depth a sociocultural topic related to intercultural mediation. Students will receive guidance both in choosing a topic and in preparing the presentation.

Assessment criteria for the presentation are:

1. Content knowledge

2. Linguistic competence: phonetic, lexical and grammatical competence as well as fluency and the ability to use strategies in order to overcome communication problems

3. Cooperation skills: cooperative planning completion, and presentation of the project

4. Performance skills: clarity, adaptation to the hearers' needs

The second exam (with two official exam sessions per term) consists of an individual interview (20 min) during which the candidate must demonstrate the ability to discuss the causes of intercultural conflicts and to handle mediation between the parties appropriately. They must also be able to explain the basic concepts of mediation, such as Konflikt, Konfliktpartei, einvernehmliche Lösung, the mediator’s responsibilities, the objectives of mediation, and the various phases that structure the process, as well as linguistic routines and communication techniques.

For students attending class, the overall grade for the lectures is the average of the two parts.

 

Non-attending students

For non-attending students, the assessment consists of a written and an oral exam.

The written part consists of a term paper (in German; 15–20 pages + bibliography) to be prepared independently. The topic involves an in-depth analysis of a sociocultural aspect related to intercultural mediation and must be agreed upon with Prof. Rieger during office hours (also via TEAMS).

The term paper must be submitted at least two weeks before the oral exam session (see below) in which the student intends to participate, since passing the written exam is a prerequisite for taking the oral exam.

The oral exam (with two official exam sessions per term) consists of an individual interview (30 min). In the first part, the candidate must discuss the term paper to demonstrate that, even though they used digital tools in its preparation, they are able to master the topic covered both in terms of content and language.

In the second part, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to discuss the causes of intercultural conflicts and to manage mediation between the parties appropriately. They must also be able to explain the basic concepts of mediation, such as Konflikt, Konfliktpartei, einvernehmliche Lösung, as well as the mediator’s tasks, the objectives of mediation, and its various phases, along with linguistic routines and communication techniques.

For non-attendees as well, the overall grade for the lectures is the average of the two parts.

 

Esercitazioni/Language classes

The assessment consists of an oral presentation (Referat), to be held during in class at the end of the course. The presentation must explore in depth one of the topics covered during the course. The topic must be agreed in advance with the lecturer.

The assessment will take the following points into account:

1. Content competence
2. Linguistic competence: lexical appropriateness, grammatical accuracy, phonetic accuracy, fluency of delivery, ability to use suitable strategies to overcome communication difficulties.
3. Presentation competence: clarity, degree of independence from the written text, degree of interaction with the audience, ability to adapt to the audience's linguistic competence.

Non-attending students must always prepare and present a Referat during an oral exam session of approximately 30 minutes (arranged individually), following which they will be asked some questions on the topics covered and the texts read during the course.
The topic of the Referat must be agreed in advance with the lecturer.

 

Grades

The final mark of the course “Mediation German” will be the average mark between the lezioni frontali exam's result (counting two times) and the esercitazione mark.

Students may reject the final grade for Mediation German only once. After rejecting the final grade, students must retake all partial exams.

 

Please note:

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities: we suggest that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and your professor immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams.

Any requests for accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the lecturer and copying (Cc) the email address [disabilita@unibo.it](mailto:disabilita@unibo.it ) (in case of disability) or [dsa@unibo.it](mailto:dsa@unibo.it ) (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

 

Teaching tools

Lezioni frontali/Lectures are supported by Powerpoint presentations. The presentations will be made available at the end of each thematic unit. 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Antoinette Rieger