REI-1010 Intercultural Communication - 10 stp

The focus of this course is on foundational and contemporary concepts, practices, and processes of intercultural communication, as well as methods of critical intercultural analysis. Students will learn intercultural communication theories and engage in critical assessment of and application of these theories with the explicit goal of addressing issues of social justice and ethical self-reflective intercultural practices. The course will particularly discuss intercultural issues in light of a Northern context, where indigenous and national minority cultures are important.

Drawing from historical, social scientific, humanistic and critical perspectives, the course addresses topics ranging from the contested nature of culture and cultural definition; representations of cultures and identities in public discourse; diversity, privilege and power as part of intercultural communication; globalization and modern technological influences in intercultural practices; and the relationship between language, power, and culture. Indigenous and minority culture elements will be central to all topics in the course.

This course will not only acquaint you with theories and research in the area of intercultural communication, but also help you apply the knowledge in order to contribute to the development of ethical, diverse, and more sustainable societies, especially as relevant to nature and culture based tourism and in a context where indigenous and minority cultures play such a central role. You will engage in self-reflection to better understand communication between people from different backgrounds, and in order to increase awareness of how our cultures impact us and our communicative practices.

Admission requirements:

Nordic applicants: Generell studiekompetanse. Admission procedures for foreign applicants, please read: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=351800

Admission code: 9199

Knowledge

The candidate

• has knowledge of foundational and contemporary theories and practices in the field of intercultural communication
• understands the relevance of intercultural communication to the development of tourism as an industry system and a social phenomenon.

Skills

The candidate

• knows how to research, explain and analyze intercultural communication in everyday life, media, and society.
• is able to discuss intercultural communication based in examples that bring in indigenous and minority culture perspectives.
• can identify, evaluate, and respond to barriers to ethical intercultural communication (f.ex. barrieres to social justice, equality, and diversity)
• can bring in relevant intercultural theories and practices to reflect on issues from other courses as well as personal experiences.
• can apply intercultural theories with the explicit goal of addressing issues of social justice, and ethical self-reflective intercultural practices and theories in the tourism context.

Competence

The candidate

• is able to critically reflect on her/his own positioning in an intercultural context and ethically engage with those who hold other perspectives
• can use knowledge and understanding of intercultural understandings independently to make relevant and ethical contributions to processes of sustainable development in society.
• is able to engage in, facilitate, and make relevant adjustments, to encourage mindful, reflexive, and accountable dialogue and collaboration across and through difference.

This course is taught in weekly lectures and seminars.

Topics will be addressed throug readings, examles from contemporary culture, reflexive assignments, research activities, class discussions, and in-class activities.

All courses will be evaluated in accordance with the UiT quality system.