SOA1004 Intercultural Comunication
- Course codeSOA1004
- Number of credits5
- Teaching semester2023 Autumn, 2024 Spring
- Language of instructionEnglish
- CampusLillehammer
- Required prerequisite knowledge
None
The course provides basic training in intercultural communication and intercultural competence development through theoretical concepts from research literature, reflection assignments and classroom excersises.
The course targets all students and focuses on their intercultural competence development through an introduction to theory in the field and the application of the theoretical insights in a two-month case study – using the students' encounters with cultural others as a basis for reflection on their own cultural values (through their intercultural diary) and as a training ground for developing their intercultural communication skills.
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of the course the student
- has knowledge of the concept of intercultural communication and intercultural competence (Deardorff 2006, 2009b)
- is familiar with methods to further develop their level of intercultural competence
- has knowledge of how culture shapes us and affect us, and how it is activated when our values and beliefs are challenged by cultural others
- can explain and give examples of the concepts of ethnocentrism, stereotypes, prejudices and unconscious cultural judgements
- can demonstrate with examples how their cultural background affects their judgment of others and other cultures
- has knowledge of how different communication styles effect communication
- can explain why empathy and the ability to change perspective in intercultural encounters are key to mutual understanding across cultures
- can engage with cultural others
- can recognize different communication styles in intercultural encounters
- can listen for understanding (not judgement)
- can ask and answer questions in a culturally sensitive way
- can behave and communicate in a culturally sensitive way in encounters with people with different mindsets or communication styles than their own.
Classroom lectures, group work, story circles, intercultural diary self-study, essay. The course has an action-oriented approach as a pedagogical direction for developing intercultural communication skills. This means that we place emphasis on communication, interaction and the practical application of reflective theory and communication skills development.
Approx. 10 hours of lectures, divided over 5 classroom sessions.
- 90% attendance at lectures,
- Completion of home assignments prior to lectures
- Completion of a mandatory course evaluation
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home exam | Passed - not passed | Individual | 5 Day(s) |
|
Individual Written home exam (Pass/Fail). 5 days. 5 pages structured essay based on the student's intercultural diary.