General knowledge of cultural sociology and good level of English. For those having no cultural sociology background the following book is recommended Wendy Griswold, (1994 or later) "Cultures and societies in a changing world",Thousand Oaks, Pine Forge

The aims of this course are: to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern multicultural society, to critically discuss the main issues of contemporary sociology of culture, to develop skills of a comparative analysis and assessment of cultural differences. In particular, the course, by introducing students to different cultures and examining the concepts of cultural identity and cultural differences, is aimed at developing students' knowledge of other ways of life and providing a new understanding of their own cultures. Tourism activities and business topics in destination management will be analyze using a cross-cultural perspective.

The issue of cultural diversity is a matter of importance for tourism, business and it is international dimension. It is important to take into consideration the impact multi-cultural diversity can have on both the people's life and work relationships. A needed skill in international tourism is the capacity of seeing human experience from the point of view of others who encounter and interpret the world in significantly different ways. Further, the course offers a deep and complex understanding of the culture of the country tourism operators will be dealing with, in managing tourism and business with different people. A knowledge of the cultural differences associated with areas such as business meeting, international relations and conducting negotiations will be part of the course and also tips on how to increase chances of success when doing business in/with different cultures.

Main topics of the course:
The concept of culture
Cultural differences
Dimensions of national cultures
Cultural identities and society
Cultures and organizations
Cultural differences, marketing and business
European cultural differences and tourism
Intercultural encounters and international tourism
The evolution of cultures in the global world

• 1.  (A) G. Hofstede, G.I. Hofstede, M. Minkov Cultures and organizations. Software of the mind. Intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival McGraw-Hill (3rd Edition), USA, 2010 » Pagine/Capitoli: Chapters 1-3-4-5-6-7-8-11-12 (pages 370)
• 2.  (C) G. Hofstede Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks CA, 2001 » Pagine/Capitoli: all the book (400 pages)

Additional materials will be available during the course on the teacher's webpage only for attending students

• Lessons, group discussion, homework and classwork.
  Case-studies and exercise will be provided during the course for attending students.
  Essays writings, presentations and classroom discussion for attending students.

• The exam is written with open/close questions regarding the content of the book indicated in the program.
  Criteria:
  -knowledge learning and critical understanding
  -knowledge applied to social aspects
  -indipendent judgment
  

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