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Haynes Collins, Bethan Davies, Jane Wilkinson, and Petra Desatova

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for anyone with an interest in the way in which borders shape and influence how we view each other, you don’t need any previous experience. This course is also ideal if you are preparing to move to a different country for work or study or you work with groups of people from different cultures to yours. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLcultureborders to talk about this course on social media.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for anyone with an interest in the way in which borders shape and influence how we view each other, you don’t need any previous experience. This course is also ideal if you are preparing to move to a different country for work or study or you work with groups of people from different cultures to yours. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLcultureborders to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • An examination of the concepts of borders.
  • How different cultures create and demonstrate borders.
  • How borders bring cultures into contact with each other.
  • The reasons why people choose to cross national borders voluntarily.
  • ‘Forced’ migration, considering the reasons people flee their homes.
  • Less formal borders and markers of transition into different cultural environments.

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Reviews summary

Accessible introduction to cultural borders

Based on feedback, learners say this course provides an excellent introduction to intercultural studies and the concept of cultural borders. It is described as well-structured and easy to follow, making complex ideas accessible, particularly for those new to the field or seeking an accessible overview. Many found the content thought-provoking and highly relevant for work or international interactions. While the lectures are clear and examples helpful, some learners felt it was too introductory and wished for more in-depth exploration of specific topics or regions.
Ideas are presented clearly and engagingly.
"The lectures were clear and the examples were relevant."
"Engaging and thought-provoking."
"The course explains complex ideas in an accessible way."
Content is very applicable to real-world interactions.
"Very relevant for my work in an international team."
"Highly relevant for anyone interacting with different cultures."
"The examples were particularly helpful in illustrating complex ideas."
Provides a clear and accessible overview for beginners.
"This course provided an excellent introduction to the concept of cultural borders. The content was well-structured and easy to follow..."
"Provided a solid framework for understanding intercultural issues. The concepts are presented clearly."
"The course explains complex ideas in an accessible way."
Reviewers seeking more advanced content desired more detail.
"Found this course to be a bit too introductory for my needs. While the topic is interesting, it didn't go into enough depth..."
"The lectures were clear, but I felt some areas could have been explored in more detail."

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Crossing Borders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 48 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Crossing Borders.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of intercultural communication, covering topics such as cultural identity, communication styles, and conflict resolution. It is an excellent resource for students and practitioners alike.
A wide-ranging exploration of the relationship between culture and society, this book covers topics such as the role of culture in social change, the impact of globalization on culture, and the nature of cultural identity.
A widely recognized textbook in migration studies, this book provides a comprehensive overview of international migration, its causes, dynamics, and consequences. Given the strong link between migration and borders, this book is essential for understanding the forces that shape border policies and experiences. The most recent edition includes updated analysis of contemporary migration trends.
Critically examines the violence inherent in border enforcement and its impact on refugees and migrants. It argues that borders are sites of violence that uphold global inequalities. This crucial text for understanding the human cost of contemporary border regimes and is highly relevant to current events.
Argues that culture is not simply a set of ideas or values but is also a set of practices that are embodied and enacted in everyday life.
Explores the relationship between culture and technology, arguing that technology is not simply a neutral tool but is also a cultural artifact that can shape our lives in profound ways.
Explores the relationship between culture and social change, arguing that culture is not simply a passive reflection of social change but is also an active force that can shape the direction of social change.
A seminal work that examines the US-Mexico border through personal narrative, poetry, and theory. offers a powerful and deeply personal perspective on the cultural, linguistic, and psychological borderlands. It is invaluable for understanding the lived experiences of those at borders and is considered a classic in border studies and cultural theory.
Introduces the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) and provides tools for developing this skill. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural contexts in both personal and professional life. It is suitable for anyone interested in improving their cross-cultural interactions.
Explores the impact of culture on human progress, arguing that cultural values play a key role in shaping economic and political development. It provides a broad overview of cross-cultural understanding and is suitable for both beginners and experienced learners.
Explores the relationship between globalization and culture, arguing that globalization is leading to a new kind of global culture that is characterized by both homogenization and heterogeneity.
Explores the cultural significance of food and the body, arguing that they are both powerful symbols that can be used to express identity, power, and gender.
Explores the ethical implications of culture, arguing that we need to develop a new ethics that is based on respect for cultural diversity.
A foundational text on nationalism, this book argues that nations are socially constructed 'imagined communities.' It is essential for understanding the ideological underpinnings of national borders and the sense of belonging that borders often enclose. This classic work with broad influence across the social sciences.
Provides a practical guide to understanding and navigating different business cultures around the world. It covers topics such as cultural differences in negotiation styles, decision-making processes, and communication norms. It valuable resource for anyone working in international business or global teams.
Examines the hardening of Europe's borders and the human consequences for migrants and asylum seekers. It provides a detailed look at the policies and practices of border control in a specific regional context. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary issues of migration and borders in Europe.
Provides a comparative analysis of border wall construction in the United States, India, and Israel, linking it to security concerns and the 'war on terror.' It offers insights into the motivations and consequences of building physical barriers between states.
Explores the resurgence of physical borders in the modern era, examining various case studies around the world. It connects the building of walls and barriers to contemporary political and social dynamics, offering insights into the motivations and consequences of these actions. It is highly relevant to contemporary discussions on borders.
A memoir by a former US Border Patrol agent, this book offers a powerful and personal account of life on the US-Mexico border. It provides a ground-level perspective on the complexities and human dramas of border enforcement. is valuable for its narrative approach, complementing more academic texts.
Provides an excellent starting point for understanding the fundamental concepts and issues surrounding borders. It offers a concise overview of the historical development, functions, and challenges of borders in the contemporary world. It is particularly useful for gaining broad foundational knowledge before delving into more complex texts.
A foundational text in postcolonial studies, this book analyzes how the West has constructed a prejudiced and stereotypical view of the East. While not solely about physical borders, it is essential for understanding the intellectual and cultural borders created through discourse and power dynamics. It classic that has significantly influenced various fields.
Examines the historical and economic impact of migration on global development. It argues for the benefits of migration while also addressing the challenges. It provides a broad historical and economic perspective that is essential for understanding the context of contemporary border and migration debates.
This edited volume offers diverse perspectives on borders from scholars in the Global South. It challenges वेस्टर्न-centric views and highlights the unique experiences and challenges of borders in different regions. provides valuable breadth and alternative viewpoints on the topic.
A classic work of critical theory, this book argues that the culture industry system of mass production that serves to manipulate and control the masses.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding intercultural communication competence. It identifies the key skills and knowledge that are necessary for effective communication across cultures.
Traces the historical development of the passport and its role in regulating movement and defining citizenship. It provides crucial historical context for understanding how borders and state control over mobility evolved. It valuable resource for those interested in the historical foundations of border regimes.
Introduces the concept of geopolitics and how geography influences international relations and state behavior. It helps contextualize the strategic importance of borders and their role in shaping global politics. It good introductory text for understanding the spatial dimensions of power and borders.
Presents an economic and ethical case for open borders, challenging conventional arguments for immigration restrictions. Written in a graphic novel format, it makes complex arguments accessible. It useful resource for exploring alternative perspectives on border control and immigration.
A foundational text in postcolonial thought, Fanon analyzes the psychological and social effects of colonization and the struggle for liberation. While not explicitly about borders, it is crucial for understanding the historical processes that created many of the borders we see today and the ongoing legacies of colonialism that influence border dynamics.
This influential book argues that the US criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control, creating internal borders and excluding a large segment of the population. It provides a powerful analysis of how state power can create profound social and spatial divisions within a country.
Is specifically geared towards managers and leaders, providing guidance on how to create and manage diverse and inclusive workplaces. It explores the challenges and opportunities of managing a diverse workforce and offers practical strategies for promoting equity and inclusion.
A key text in International Relations theory, this book explores the concept of order in a system of sovereign states. It provides theoretical background on the state system and the role of borders in maintaining international order. While not exclusively about borders, it offers fundamental concepts relevant to their political function.
This classic work explores the role of nonverbal communication in intercultural interactions. It provides insights into how different cultures use body language, gestures, and other nonverbal cues to communicate.
Explores the impact of culture on business interactions and provides insights into how to navigate cultural differences effectively. It valuable resource for individuals working in international business or跨文化团队s.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding cultural differences and offers practical strategies for developing intercultural sensitivity. It valuable resource for individuals seeking to improve their cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.
Provides a practical guide to intercultural business communication. It covers topics such as negotiating, managing conflict, and building relationships with people from different cultures.
Specifically addresses the topic of cultural diversity in higher education, providing insights and best practices for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. It valuable resource for administrators, faculty, and staff seeking to promote cultural diversity and student success on college campuses.
Is specifically tailored for HR professionals, providing guidance on how to create and manage inclusive and diverse workplaces. It explores the legal and ethical considerations of diversity and inclusion, as well as best practices for recruitment, retention, and employee development.
Explores the relationship between culture and cognitive development, examining how cultural factors influence children's learning and development. It valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the fields of education, psychology, and anthropology.

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