LACS1010 Introduction to Intercultural Communication (5 op)

Content

This course introduces the student to the key approaches, developments, and concepts within the field of intercultural communication. The course covers themes that are at the center of contemporary societal questions and experiences such as identity and stereotypes, migration and adaptation, language use, and intercultural competencies. By exploring how these topics may be related to constructions of difference, students are supported in developing and applying alternative ways of approaching interculturality and to reflect on their own role in an interconnected world. The course consists of lectures that critically engage with theories and common concepts of intercultural communication. Additional group work encourages students to expand on the content analytically and to apply their learning to concrete examples.

Completion methods

Lectures, group work, written assignments. 

Assessment details

Passing the course requires completion of all required assignments in line with stated learning outcomes. An 80% attendance requirement is applied. Grade-specific assessment criteria are introduced in the course.

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• reflect on the historical development of intercultural communication as a multi-disciplinary field

• understand and discuss fundamental issues in intercultural communication such as identification, othering or processes related to multilingual interaction

• understand culture and intercultural communication from a non-essentialist viewpoint

• identify power inequalities inherent in representations of interculturality

• challenge established knowledge claims about intercultural communication and interculturality

• revise and apply theoretical concepts of intercultural communication to analyze one’s own experiences in the social world

• successfully collaborate in a diverse team

• work with and assess one’s own intercultural competencies.

Timing for LAGIC students: First year, autumn term