Intercultural Communication in an English-speaking World, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies 
and
English language corresponding to the level of the English language in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to

• identify basic academic concepts relevant to intercultural awareness
• critically discuss basic academic concepts relevant to intercultural awareness
• apply basic sociological and anthropological theories and concepts in international contexts where English is the language of communication
• be able to compare and contrast Swedish culture to other cultures in the world where English is/may be spoken in a professional context
• give an oral presentation of an analysis of an intercultural case study, using English appropriate for professional settings
• successfully communicate in English in a professional and international environment

Course content

The course is divided into two course modules. The first one covers basic theories, concepts and practice relevant to intercultural communication in general, in the context of sociological, anthropological and linguistic studies. The second module builds on the first one, and makes use of the theories and concepts brought up there. Here, the focus is specifically on professional English-speaking settings, and sociological, anthropological and linguistic theories and concepts are applied to instances of intercultural communication. As the second module requires spoken English adapted to professional settings, it also includes practising oral English proficiency.

Teaching and working methods

The course encompasses lectures and seminars. Students are to study the course material and prepare for group discussions and mini-presentations in the seminars. Feedback on language, content and delivery is provided by teachers and peers. The language of instruction and examination is English. In addition, the student is expected to study on their own.

Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

Examination

The course is examined via active seminar participation and oral presentations.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department