Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture from FutureLearn

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 concepts of culture and interculturality, 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 #FLdefiningculture to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The complex meanings of the term culture and exploring the difference between ‘culture’ (ideas, practices and behaviour of groups of people) and ‘Culture’ (the arts, philosophy etc).
Interculturality - the interaction of people from different societies in a way that supports understanding and dialogue.
The idea of dimensions of cultures, how these have been used to explain interactions between people of different cultures and their limitations.
The way in which humans tend to ‘other’, how this leads to the development of ‘in’ and ‘out’ groups and the consequences of their formation.
Transcultural flows and practices - the interaction between different groups and the ways in which practices and ideas can flow between them.
Small cultures and cultural environments.

Reviews summary

Culture concepts for global understanding

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundational understanding of cultural concepts and interculturality. Many find the lectures to be clear and engaging, effectively differentiating between 'culture' and 'Culture' and exploring concepts like 'othering' and 'transcultural flows'. Students appreciate the insights gained for understanding diverse groups, often finding it applicable to personal development and professional interactions. While largely positive, some indicate it provides a theoretical overview rather than in-depth practical strategies, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking a broad introduction.

Focuses on theory; some desire more practical application.

"Good overview for beginners, but I was hoping for more practical strategies for real-world intercultural communication."

"The theoretical foundations were solid, but it felt a bit academic at times. I needed more actionable advice."

"While it covers the concepts well, it doesn't really delve into how to apply them directly in challenging scenarios."

Instructor is knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the learning experience.

"The instructor's passion shone through, making the lectures very enjoyable and keeping me engaged."

"I felt the explanations were clear and the instructor's expertise was evident throughout the course material."

"It was clear the instructor genuinely cared about the subject, which made the learning experience much better."

Designed to be accessible for learners without prior experience.

"The course clearly stated no prior experience was needed, and it delivered on that promise, making complex ideas easy to grasp."

"As someone completely new to intercultural studies, I found the pace and content perfectly suited for a beginner."

"It breaks down difficult topics into digestible parts, which is great if you're just starting out in this field."

Highly relevant for understanding diverse groups and global interactions.

"I particularly enjoyed the discussions on 'othering' and found them very insightful for my work in a diverse team."

"This course is incredibly valuable for anyone working in multicultural environments or preparing to move abroad."

"It helped me gain a better perspective on why people from different backgrounds interact the way they do, which is useful in my daily life."

Provides a comprehensive and clear introduction to core cultural theories.

"This course provided an excellent introduction to culture concepts. The lectures were clear and the examples relatable."

"I found it to be a fantastic beginner's guide to understanding the complexities of culture and intercultural interactions."

"It gave me a solid understanding of the differences between 'culture' and 'Culture' and how to think about 'othering'."

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: