Intercultural Communication

Why study Intercultural Communication?

In a globalizing world, communication between people of different cultural background is becoming the norm. Unfortunately, such communication is hardly ever without problems. Misunderstandings, prejudice and conflict are frequent. The study of Intercultural Communication creates an understanding of cultural differences: why do they exist, how they can be understood and classified, and how can we deal with them successfully?

You are free to take any course you like, for example to prepare for a study exchange abroad. You can also study XICP0200 Intercultural Communication Programme (ICP) (25 ECTS) as a minor subject. The ICP consists of two modules.

Jörn Severidt

Senior lecturer (German, Intercultural Communication)
Group leader of less taught languages
Tel +358 (0) 40 484 4445
Office hours

Research profile in LaCRIS >

This module is at the heart of the ICP, all three courses are compulsory. Students are encouraged to start with XICP1101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication, which is offered every autumn.

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XICP0211 Introduction to Intercultural Communication
XICP0212 Reflections on Intercultural Communication
XICP0213 Dimensions of Intercultural Communication
XICP0230 Culture Difference Diary

Courses in this module apply the theories and paradigms introduced in Module 1 to individual cultures. The focus is on cultural differences between participants’ cultures and the targeted culture in question. Any culture course organized by the Language Centre may be included. Please see the Language Centre’s current selection of available courses on WebOodi. The Teach & Learn -programme (2-3 ECTS) may also be included in this module. This module serves also as an umbrella, under which any courses organized by the faculties or studied during an exchange, with a strong international or intercultural focus, may be included in the ICP. These courses must be approved by the ICP coordinator. This module may not exceed 12 ECTS.

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XICP0233 Understanding the German-speaking Countries
XICP0224 Understanding Finland 
XICP0228 Understanding Your Own Culture (PLEASE NOTE: This course is open only to students who have completed at least one contact course in Intercultural Communication)
XFIN0230 Finnish Culture
XFIN0229 Suomalainen elämäntapa, taide ja kulttuuri (taught in Finnish)
XENG0202 USA: Society and Culture
XENG0203 Britain: Society and Culture
XENG0210 Australia: Society and Culture
XVEN0225 Venäjän kulttuuri ja maantuntemus (taught in Finnish)
XITA0007 Understanding Italy
XKII0007 Understanding China
XRAN0008 Understanding France

In addition, courses with an intercultural focus taught by the faculties and approved by the ICP coordinator.

The course XICP0230 Cultural Difference Diary is designed to generate positive awareness of cultural differences during a prolonged stay abroad (student exchange or internship). Please note that this course requires careful preparation before departure.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is only for students of the University of Lapland going abroad. It cannot be completed in Finland.

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