Course Description
This 12-hour online course will introduce the concepts of culture and intercultural communication, examine some common challenges and barriers to intercultural communication, explore the development of intercultural sensitivity, provide some effective language use strategies for intercultural contexts and present some cultural dimensions that may impact intercultural communication.
Course Outline
- Module 1: Introduction to Intercultural Communication
- Module 2: Challenges in Intercultural Communication
- Module 3: Developing Intercultural Sensitivity
- Module 4: Effective Language Use in Intercultural Situations
- Module 5: Working in a Diverse Global Space
What You Will Learn
Participants will:
- Situate intercultural communication in one’s context
- Describe the types of power that reside in the relationship, person and message
- Select appropriate linguistic strategies for communicating in unfamiliar or diverse conversations
- Maximize methods of improving intercultural communication through self-reflection
Microcredential
This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment-related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. 
A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.
To learn more about microcredentials and how they can enhance your learning portfolio, watch this 30-second YouTube video (video opens in a new window).
Notes
The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.