The course examines intercultural communication in specialised professional and institutional settings such as justice, healthcare, migration and public services. It introduces key theoretical models of cultural difference, the concept of cultural competence, and the factors shaping communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds: values, communication styles, power relations and stereotypes. Through case studies, students analyse communication breakdowns and the role of the mediator (interpreter, translator, cultural mediator). The impact of artificial intelligence on intercultural communication is also examined.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• describe and compare key theoretical models of intercultural communication;
• identify cultural factors affecting communication in specialised settings;
• analyse communication breakdowns and propose well-grounded solutions;
• understand the role of the mediator and its ethical limits;
• critically assess the role of AI and use it responsibly;
• work in teams and present findings in writing, visually and orally.

• Introduction: culture, language and communication
• Theoretical models of cultural difference
• Cultural competence and sensitivity
• Stereotypes, bias and power relations
• Intercultural communication in justice
• Intercultural communication in healthcare and migration
• The role of the cultural mediator
• Artificial intelligence and intercultural communication

• Βλαχόπουλος, Σ. (2026). Διαπολιτισμική Επικοινωνία στη Δικαιοσύνη. Μετάφραση και διερμηνεία στην εποχή της Τεχνητής Νοημοσύνης. Νομική Βιβλιοθήκη.
• Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J. & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Trompenaars, F. & Hampden-Turner, C. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture (3rd ed.). Nicholas Brealey.
• Spencer-Oatey, H. & Franklin, P. (2009). Intercultural Interaction. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Holliday, A. (2011). Intercultural Communication and Ideology. Sage.

Lectures, discussion, case studies, group work.

E-learning platform, audiovisual material, presentation and mind-mapping software, AI tools in line with course guidelines.

Group project (four students) with deliverables: a 2,000-word executive summary, a PowerPoint presentation and a mind map. AI use must be declared.