Throughout this course, the concept of culture and the process of language and cultural socialization will be examined. Factors that can influence the communication process (e.g. culture, context, power) and the vital roles of nonverbal communication in intercultural encounters (face-to-face or online) will be explored. Identity in relation to language and intercultural communication and identity biases (e.g. ethnocentricism, stereotypes, discrimination, prejudice, racism), their potential harmful impact and intercultural conflict and resolution to conflict will also be discussed. Students will engage, explore and dialogue with others as they develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be intercultural.

By the end of the course, students should have achieved the following objectives: 1. To develop a deep understanding of core issues related to language and the intercultural communication process that are linked to real-life examples from around the world 2. To learn more about themselves, including their values, beliefs, communication styles, and attitudes toward people from different cultural backgrounds 3. To challenge their own assumptions and preconceived notions about other worldviews and ways of being 4. To develop an awareness of the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of intercultural communicative competence and the qualities associated with global citizenship

Jackson, J. (2020). Introducing language and intercultural communication: Routledge (2nd Edition)