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 (part-time)
Tel +358 (0) 40 484 4445
Office hours

Research profile >

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.

Read more about module 1 >

XICP0214 Intercultural Communication: Dimensions of Culture
XICP0215 Intercultural Communication: Culture and Communication
XICP0216 Intercultural Communication: Culture and Conflict

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 Peppi. The Teach and 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.

Read more about module 2 >

XICP0233 Understanding the German-speaking countries
XICP0224 Understanding Finland
XICP0235 Understanding Your Own Culture: Hofstede and Lewis (self-study, only after completing at least one course of Module 1)
XICP0236 Understanding Your Own Culture: Trompenaars and World Values Survey (self-study, only after completing at least one course of Module 1)
XICP0241 OUTGOING STUDENTS: Cultural Difference Diary (self-study)
XICP0242 INCOMING DEGREE STUDENTS: Cultural Adaptation Diary (self-study)
XICP0217 Intercultural Communication: Culture and Working-life
XFIN0230 Finnish Culture
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
LAER0342 Introduction to Anglosphere studies: language, cultures and societies
In addition, courses with an intercultural focus taught by the faculties and approved by the ICP coordinator.