Microcredential:
Intercultural Communication and Ethics - 2026
EURECA-PRO Lifelong Learning Academy - Online Course
Starting: 20/04/2026
Universities involved:
Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg
Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
- Upcoming events
Course Type:
Online course
Number of places:
Non-limited
Starting date:
20/04/2026
Ending date:
27/07/2026
Intercultural Communication and Ethics (2026 Edition) is a 12-lecture course designed to develop both analytical and practical competencies for effective communication and decision-making in culturally diverse environments. The course integrates theories of intercultural communication, ethical reasoning, European historical perspectives, conflict analysis, science communication, and the emerging role of AI-mediated communication.
Its objective is to equip participants with conceptual tools to understand cultural differences, evaluate ethical dilemmas, and navigate intercultural conflicts in academic, professional, and societal contexts.
The course will take place from 20 April to 27 July 2026, with weekly lectures.
The lectures address key areas such as intercultural communication, ethics of science and technology, European studies, science communication, and responsible innovation. The course contributes to EURECA-PRO’s broader focus on sustainability, societal engagement, and responsible knowledge production.
Key details
Targeted audience: Students, researchers, academic and professional staff, international and policy professionals, and lifelong learners
Recognition of credits: 3 ECTS*
Language: English
Place of delivery: Online via Moodle
*Students may obtain ECTS credits through their respective EURECA-PRO partner institution. To qualify, students must attend at least 80% of the lectures and successfully pass the final examination. The examination and credit recognition procedures follow the academic regulations of the respective partner university. Upon successful completion, the course can be recognized and credited according to the applicable study programme requirements and institutional ECTS regulations of each EURECA-PRO partner.
Intercultural communication is not just about adjusting to differences. It involves how cultural frameworks influence perception, communication, power, and moral judgments. In a time of globalisation, European integration, digital transformation, climate debates, scientific controversies, and political polarisation, intercultural interactions have become essential to professional and civic life.
This course provides a practical introduction to intercultural communication and ethical reasoning. It combines cultural theory, European historical analysis, ethical frameworks, conflict theory, science communication, and AI-mediated communication. Participants gain analytical clarity and practical skills for navigating diverse environments.
Objectives
- Develop a theoretically grounded understanding of culture as a historically formed system of meaning.
- Integrate intercultural communication theory with ethical reasoning.
- Critically examine major cultural models and ethical frameworks, including their strengths and limitations.
- Analyse the historical and political dimensions of European intercultural interaction.
- Cultivate the ability to diagnose and manage intercultural conflicts using structured theoretical approaches.
- Understand science communication as a form of intercultural exchange between epistemic communities and broader publics.
- Examine AI-mediated communication, including algorithmic bias, responsibility, and digital transformation.
- Strengthen reflexivity regarding one’s own cultural positioning and ethical commitments.
Competencies
- Advanced Cultural-Analytical Competence
- Ethical Reflexivity in Pluralistic Contexts
- Intercultural Conflict Diagnostics and Mediation Skills
- Epistemic and Science Communication Competence
- AI-Mediated Intercultural Communication Literacy
- Reflective Global and European Perspective
Learning Outcomes
- Define and critically compare major theories of intercultural communication and ethical reasoning.
- Analyse intercultural situations by identifying implicit value assumptions and cultural dimensions.
- Evaluate stereotypes and cognitive biases and propose mitigation strategies.
- Apply conflict theories to diagnose disputes and propose structured resolution strategies.
- Communicate techno-scientific knowledge responsibly to diverse audiences.
- Assess the ethical implications of AI-mediated communication and design responsible strategies.
- Demonstrate reflexivity regarding personal cultural conditioning and ethical reasoning.
Programme
- 12 Lectures -
Programme - 12 Lectures -
- Monday, 20 April 2026: Lecture 1 – Foundations I
- Monday, 27 April 2026: Lecture 2 – Foundations II
- Monday, 4 May 2026: Lecture 3 – Cultural Dimensions and Models
- Monday, 11 May 2026: Lecture 4 – Ethics in Intercultural Communication I
- Monday, 1 June 2026: Lecture 5 – Ethics in Intercultural Communication II
- Monday, 8 June 2026: Lecture 6 – Perception and Stereotypes
- Monday, 22 June 2026: Lecture 7 – Intercultural Communication in the Age of AI
- Monday, 29 June 2026: Lecture 8 – Conflict Theories I
- Monday, 6 July 2026: Lecture 9 – Conflict Theories II
- Monday, 13 July 2026: Lecture 10 – Science Communication as Intercultural Communication
- Monday, 20 July 2026: Lecture 11 – Ethical Dilemmas in Institutional Contexts
- Monday, 27 July 2026: Lecture 12 – Case Studies and Applications
Prerequisites for taking the final assessment
- Participants must attend at least 80% of the lectures (minimum 10 out of 12 sessions) to be eligible for the exam.
- Participants with an attendance rate between 60% and 80% may still be admitted to the exam upon submission of a short written assignment (details to be provided during the course).
- Participants who registered after 11 May 2026 are not eligible to take the final assessment.
Duration and Workload
| Course duration | 20 April – 27 July 2026 |
| Number of Sessions | 12 lectures |
| Session Format | 1 hour lecture + 30 min Q&A and discussion |
| Total Workload | 3 ECTS (75–90 hours) |
| Student Preparation | Estimated 15 hours overall |
| Student Homework / Assignments | Estimated 10 hours overall |
Course Team
- Dr. Apostolos Gerontas, TUBAF | Apostolos.Gerontas@mabb.tu-freiberg.de
- Dr. Maria Machevariani, TUBAF | Mariia.Machevariani@mabb.tu-freiberg.de
- Dr. Apostolos Gerontas, TUBAF | Apostolos.Gerontas@mabb.tu-freiberg.de
- Prof. Dr. Gunter Süß, HSMW | gunter.suess@hs-mittweida.de
- Vanessa Juliane Herrmann, HSMW | herrman6@hs-mittweida.de
- Oksana Khomiak, TUBAF | oksana.Khomiak@mabb.tu-freiberg.de
