5310729: FU_The Unfolding of Culture: Evolution or Design

Description

Human culture evolves. Change in technology, language, morality, and society is gradual and spontaneous. Change of culture follows a narrative, going from one stage to the next, and it largely happens by trial and error - a version of natural selection. Much of the human world and culture is the result of human action but not of human design: it emerges from the interactions of millions, not from the plans of a few (Ridley, 2016). By defining and applying various concepts of culture to their personal and work life, as well as using scientific data on the general theory of evolution and its' associated sub-areas, participants will be able to:

• understand interwoven relationships of evolution and culture
• apply cultural and evolutionary competencies onto their private and professional lives
• understand and acknowledge the evolutionary forces that shape much of our culture

Lecture Goals

A: Self Competence:

• understanding the general theory of evolution
• comprehension and awareness in intercultural situations
• tolerance for ambiguity

• students know and apply the general theory of evolution and its' scientifically defined sub-areas, such as: culture, morality, genes, economy, technology, education, population, government, religion, money
• students understand the relationship of evolution and culture as a driving force of change
• students know and apply the basic theories for intercultural competence

• analysis of Bottom-Up (evolution) vs. Top-Down (design) strategies
• reproduction of evolutionary and intercultural competences
• application of factual knowledge about evolutionary and cultural topics

• application of evolutionary and intercultural competences

Lectures Method

lecture, reading, discussion, presentation, group work, games, self-reflection

Admission Requirements

English Level B2

Literature

required reading:

Script (provided)

Ridley, M. (2016). The Evolution of Everything. How new Ideas Emerge. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Recommended literature:

Darwin, C. (1859). [1st ed.]. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the struggle for Life. London: Murray.

Crawford, S. L. (2016). New Horizons. Facilitator Guide. Jyväskyla: Finland.

Harari, Y. N. (2013). A Brief History of Mankind. London: Vintage.

Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Hofstede, G. (2004). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. Third Millennium Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Ridley, M. (2016). The Evolution of Everything. How new Ideas Emerge. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Ridley, M. (2011, 4th ed.). The Rational Optimist. London: Harper Collins Publishers.

Trompenaar,F & Prud`home, P. (2004). Managing Change Across Corporate Cultures (Culture for Business. Wiley & Sons Verlag: Rotterdam.

Materials

script, powerpoint, white board, literature, social media

Comments

Fakultätsübergreifendes Wahlfach:
Es gelten spezielle Anmeldemodalitäten.