The seminar is concerned with some classic as well as new perspectives in cross-cultural studies. We get to know the concept of cultural dimensions by Geert Hofstede. Then, we focus on Modernization theory – the concept of Ronald Inglehart – who basically understands "culture" as a value system.
In the practical part of the seminar we are concerned with the process of scientific research itself. We make ourselves familiar with the single steps of empirically based cross-cultural research. Starting with a concrete research question we get acquainted with one method of text analysis (content analysis) and try to finally answer our research question with the help of a cultural theory. Each student gets the opportunity to do his/her own research in the field of cross-cultural studies. This might be helpful for your further research in this field.
Students present the main topics of a theoretical concept in a presentation. Together, we discuss the concepts trying to reveal their basic thoughts and conclusions.