Teaching Slovene literature in a foreign environment is not only a specific kind of communication, but for the teacher involves more than the development of literary knowledge and presentation of the literary system, as the whole teaching process takes place within a context of intercultural understanding. Above all, students need to understand the codes of another culture. The goals and effects of literary education are, for teachers and students alike, somewhat different to those present in the study of Slovene literature at a Slovene university. This is most apparent during seminar work, which demands the active involvement of both sides. In spite of the fact that they have a reasonable command of Slovene, second year students need a great deal of guidance when researching synchronic and diachronic aspects of the literary system, requiring particular help with understanding secondary academic literature. They also require considerable support when deciding what research method to use. In seminar material special emphasis is placed on "cultures in contact": awareness of the rich cultural contacts between Czechs and Slovenes, researching the reception of Slovene culture by the Czechs and the issue of translation. It is only specific methods of literary research and the teaching of content that ensure successful communication between two cultures, which includes the transmission and reception of knowledge on Slovene literature in the foreign university environment.
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