Course Syllabus for students Spring 2015

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.

Lectures, structured discussions in multi-culture groups with written and oral reports, seminars around written assignments. Guest lectures.

The teaching is conducted in English.

• General entrance requirements.
• Fluency in English equivalent to at least a 575 (paper-based scale) or 90 (internet-based scale) TOEFL score. IELTS: with an overall band score of 6.5 and no part under 5.5. Competency in Swedish language is not required.

The course is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

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

Grades given are VG, G and U for Swedish students and the ECTS grading scale A-E, FX and F for the international students.

The grade is translated to the ECTS grading scale (A, B, C, D, E, Fx or F).

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Examination	7.5 credits	U/G/VG

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