Intercultural Communication

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 This course assumes no prior knowledge and is suitable for pre-university, undergraduate and post-experience students. You will need high school-level English or above, an interest in international issues, and curiosity about, exposure to or experience with other cultures. We will start with a journey of self-discovery, telling each other our cultural stories and exploring different cultures. You will be amazed to see how cultures have influenced our perceptions, thinking, communication styles, values and beliefs.

Topics Covered

Introduction to the course and field, potential learning objectives, and leading definitions of what constitutes “intercultural communication”.
Exploration of story narratives, metaphors, and meanings related to interculturality.
Analysis of situated cases to identify sources of intercultural misunderstanding.
Benefits of intercultural applications to personal life, business and education.
Variations in personal, social, and cultural identity, and cultivate greater awareness and sensitivity to one’s own and other’s cultural identities.
Exposure to and appreciation of cross-cultural complexity through the social learning engagement of this international community.
Social perceptions of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination related to intergroup contact.
Variations and perceptions of typical communication behaviors or practices and taxonomies for understanding context, space, time and other contextual factors (Hi-low Context, Proxemics, Monochronic-Polychronic, Silence).
Exposure to and application of leading values frameworks and levels of analysis that undergird cultural assumptions, expectations, and behaviors (from Hall, Hofstede, Schwartz, the WVS).
Experiential descriptions of culture shock and coping dynamics, adaptation processes, and growth outcomes in cross-cultural transitions.
Reflection on complex cases, other’s comments, and replies to enhance mindful observation, analysis, and understanding toward cultivating intercultural competence.

Reviews summary

Broad exploration of global communication & cultural awareness

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful introduction to intercultural communication, fostering self-discovery and a deeper understanding of cultural influences. Students appreciate its broad accessibility for various backgrounds, from pre-university to post-experience learners. The course covers diverse topics including identity, communication styles, and leading cultural frameworks, providing practical insights for personal, business, and educational contexts. While the emphasis on theory is notable, the social learning engagement is a key strength, allowing for a global community perspective.

Introduces major theoretical models for cultural analysis.

"I gained a good understanding of important cultural frameworks like Hofstede and Hall, which provided a structured way to think about cultures."

"The course delves into established theories and models, which is great for building a strong academic foundation."

"While theoretical, these frameworks are essential for a deeper analysis of cultural dynamics."

Fosters interaction with an international peer group.

"I really enjoyed the opportunities to engage with fellow learners from all over the world; it truly enriched the experience."

"The social learning aspect was a highlight, giving me real-time insights into various cultural perspectives."

"Participating in discussions with an international community made the theoretical concepts come alive."

Offers strategies for real-world interactions.

"I now feel better equipped to handle diverse interactions in my workplace and personal life."

"The course material is very relevant, providing tools I can immediately apply in business and education."

"It opened my eyes to how cultural understanding can truly benefit my daily communications."

Provides a solid basis for understanding diverse cultures.

"I found this course to be an excellent starting point, giving me a solid overview of what intercultural communication entails."

"It really helped me grasp the basic concepts needed to navigate different cultural environments."

"I appreciate how it covers the fundamentals without assuming any prior knowledge, making it very accessible."

Offers a wide scope, but might lack specific deep dives.

"I found the course to be very broad, touching on many topics without going into extreme depth on any one area."

"For a foundational course, it covers a lot, but I wished for more in-depth exploration of specific cultural communication challenges."

"While comprehensive in scope, some advanced learners might find it stays at a more introductory level."

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Learners who complete Intercultural Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Reviews summary

Broad exploration of global communication & cultural awareness

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