On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Define and recognize cultural factors that affect the communication process.
• Show understanding of the sociological and psychological signs a person goes through during the adaptation to a new culture.
• Reflect over the process of becoming interculturally competent.
• Develop skills in effectively functioning in a cross-cultural environment.

Focus is placed on the application of theory and research in intercultural communication. Both cross-cultural (comparisons of communication across cultures) and intercultural (communication between members of different cultures) communication are emphasized. Topics include:

• Swedish culture, comparison of cultures.
• Worldview, ethnocentrism, non-verbal communication.
• Cultural values and identity, the deep structures of culture.
• Multiculturalism and Cultural Change.
• Immigration, integration and cross-cultural work.

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars and exercises performed individually or in group (including structured discussions in multi-culture groups with written and oral reports).

The course uses a digital learning platform.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition/supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted. After that, the right to receive tuition/supervision expires.

Undervisningen bedrivs på engelska.

General entrance requirements and English proficiency is required. Exemption is granted from the requirement in Swedish.

Kursen bedöms med betygen A, B, C, D, E, FX eller F.

The grades A, B, C, D and E are all passing grades. For courses with more than one examination, students are given a final grade based on an overall assessment of all examinations included in the course. The final grade of the course is issued only when all course units have been passed.

The examination must allow for students to be assessed on an individual basis. Students may not make a second attempt at any examination (or element of examination) already passed in order to receive a higher grade. Further information concerning assessment and grading criteria is provided in a study guide at course start.

If a student has failed the same examination three times, the student is entitled to request that the next examination is assessed and graded by a new examiner if possible. Such a request should be addressed to the Managing Director and be in writing.

If the contents and/or literature of the course is changed, examination according to the present course syllabus shall be offered during one year after the change. Students are guaranteed a minimum of three examination occasions, including the regular occasion. After that, examination according to the present course syllabus is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Should the course be terminated, examination shall be offered for two years after the final course occasion. Thereafter, examination is granted on a case-by-case basis.

The examination is based on tuition and course literature.

Two written assignments. Active attendance at lectures, work-shops and seminar.

Examinationsmoment	Omfattning	Betyg
Examination	7,5 hp	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F

There will be continual assessment during the course. A written evaluation of the entire course upon completion is required.

This course is designed for students/professionals wishing to increase their intercultural understanding and to gain the tools for building international ties. Students will explore their own culture, begin to perceive the impact of culture on daily life, learn some of the basic theories of cross-cultural communication and work towards achieving cross-cultural competence.

Samovar A, Porter R, McDaniel E (2007) Communication Between Cultures. 7th edition or International edition. Thomson. Belmont, CA. 400 pages

Articles, 100 pages