Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture
Expand your understanding of the concepts of ‘culture’ and ‘interculturality’.
On this course, you’ll explore some of the meanings associated with the term ‘culture’ and examine their problematic nature. You’ll understand the effects of the interaction between cultures, explore the notion of interculturality and problematise the way in which social interaction between people from different backgrounds has been considered.
Through videos and articles, you’ll also examine the theories that underpin intercultural interactions and broaden your understanding of culture and intercultural communication.
What topics will you cover?
- The complex meanings of the term culture and exploring the difference between ‘culture’ (ideas, practices and behaviour of groups of people) and ‘Culture’ (the arts, philosophy etc).
- Interculturality - the interaction of people from different societies in a way that supports understanding and dialogue.
- The idea of dimensions of cultures, how these have been used to explain interactions between people of different cultures and their limitations.
- The way in which humans tend to ‘other’, how this leads to the development of ‘in’ and ‘out’ groups and the consequences of their formation.
- Transcultural flows and practices - the interaction between different groups and the ways in which practices and ideas can flow between them.
- Small cultures and cultural environments.
Course provider
