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 four modules.

This module is at the heart of the ICP. All three courses are compulsory, if you are taking the whole ICP. 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

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. The Teach & Learn -programme (2 ECTS) may also be included in this module. This module may not exceed 12 ECTS.

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XICP0221 Understanding Germany
XICP0222 Understanding Austria
XICP0223 Understanding Switzerland
XICP0224 Understanding Finland
XICP0228 Understanding Your Own Culture
XICP0229 Polish Business Culture
XICP0230 Cultural Difference Diary
XICP0232 Cultural Adaptation Clinic
XICP0234 What is National Culture?

In this model, any culture course organized by the Language Centre may be included. Please see the Language Centre’s current selection of available courses on Weboodi. This module may not exceed 6 ECTS.

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XENG0202 USA: Society and Culture
XENG0203 Britain: Society and Culture
XENG0210 Australia: Society and Culture
XVEN0225 Venäjän kulttuuri ja maantuntemus
XFIN0229 Suomalainen elämäntapa, taide ja kulttuuri
XFIN0230 Finnish Culture
XITA0007 Understanding Italy
XKII0007 Understanding China
XRAN0008 Understanding France

This module serves 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. This module may not exceed 6 ECTS, and courses must be approved by the ICP coordinator.

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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.

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Jörn Severidt

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