LS1600 Intercultural Competence

General entry requirements.

With concrete examples and problem-based inductive learning, the course introduces the theoretical models needed for efficient reflection on, and analysis of, intercultural situations, communication and teamwork.

The course provides opportunities to learn and practice, individually and in groups, various practical methods for working constructively, creatively and ethically with personal and cultural variation and diversity, as well as for handling critical intercultural situations.

The course contributes to an increased level of self-awareness and understanding of important issues such as identity, stereotypes, norms and behavioral patterns.

During the course, we will examine roles and expectations, relevant to the student's specific profession, that may exist in different countries, companies and workplaces, and discuss what consequences this may have in, e.g., multi-disciplinary and international projects.

We discuss, how inter-cultural skills are linked to the common values for KTH Royal Institute of Technology and other universities and organisations, to global citizenship and to sustainable development.

The course also covers emotional aspects of international teamwork, living and working abroad as well as returning to your country.

Documentation, reflection and accounting of intercultural experiences and learning are brought up as a step towards personal development and future employability.

The course is given in English and makes use of the fact that KTH has students with different backgrounds at all levels.

After passing the course, you are expected as student be able to:

• Show an understanding, grounded in personal experience, of how personal and cultural variation and diversity influence understanding, emotions, decision-making, communication and teamwork.

• Problematise your own and others' descriptions of culture and identifications based on, for example, gender, nationality, ethnicity, class, age, language and profession.

• Give personal examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes that support and develop intercultural competence.

• Use simple and efficient methods to observe, analyse and work constructively, creatively and ethically with personal and cultural variation.

• Reflect on critical intercultural incidents in a constructive and solution-oriented way.

• Systematically document, reflect on, and give accounts of intercultural experiences and learning.

• Present a personal action plan, grounded in self-awareness, for your continued personal development towards increased intercultural competence.