General knowledge of cultural sociology. 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

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

Cultural diversity is important for tourism, business and its international dimension. It is essential to consider the impact of multi-cultural diversity on people's lives and work relationships. A needed skill in international tourism is the capacity to see 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's tourism operators and will deal with managing tourism and business with different people. Knowledge of the cultural differences associated with areas such as business meetings, international relations, and conducting negotiations will be part of the course, as well as tips on increasing 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

Tourism and cultures differences: case studies

(Adopted book) G. Hofstede, G.I., Hofstede, M. and Minkov, Cultures and organizations. Software of the mind. Intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival, McGraw-Hill (3rd Edition) USA, 2010, Chapters 1-3-4-5-6-7-8-11, (pages 300)

(Suggested) Wearing, S., Stevenson, D., & Young, T. (2009). Tourist cultures: Identity, place and the traveller. Sage publications London

(Suggested) Sharpley, R. (2018). Tourism, tourists and society. Routledge.

(Suggested) Koc, E. (2020). Cross-cultural aspects of tourism and hospitality: A services marketing and management perspective. Routledge.

Additional materials will be available during the course for attending students on the dedicated platform

• Lessons, group discussion, homework and classwork.

  Case-studies and exercise will be provided during the course.

  Essays writings, presentations and classroom discussion for attending students.

• The exam is written with open/close questions regarding the program content.

  Attending students could prepare essays, exercise as part of the final exam.

  
  

  The overall assessment will be obtained by analysing the following indicators:

  1. Correctness and propriety in the use of language (up to 10/30)

  2. Correctness and completeness of knowledge (up to 10/30)

  3. Critical processing of knowledge (up to 10/30)

English