Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

University of Leeds

Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture

University of Leeds via FutureLearn

Overview

Prepare for a new career with $100 off Coursera Plus
Gear up for jobs in high-demand fields: data analytics, digital marketing, and more.

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.

The course is for anyone with an interest in the concepts of culture and interculturality, you don’t need any previous experience.

This course is also ideal if you are preparing to move to a different country for work or study or you work with groups of people from different cultures to yours. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.

Syllabus

  • Culture
    • Welcome
    • What is culture?
    • How can we describe culture?
    • Us and them
    • Summary
  • Interculturality
    • About Week 2
    • Intercultural competence
    • Cultural environments, practices and artefacts
    • How cultural resources shape behaviour
    • Summary

Taught by

Haynes Collins

Reviews

4.6 rating, based on 14 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at FutureLearn based on 48 ratings

Start your review of Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture

  • Anonymous
    The course "Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture" is a well-designed course in that theories are discussed, useful links are provided, exercises and interactions are engaging, the tests are challenging. The links gi…
  • John Israel
    The objectives for the course were ambitious for such a topic whose parameters are fluid and cannot be pinned down and limited to any simple, concrete boundary. The course and the participant comments certainly made me think more widely and deeply…
  • Anonymous
    This course was very educative informative and thought-provoking it really pushed my mind to think deeper than what I am familiar with in terms of cultural relations and interactions. The exercises in the courses were very helpful in that they made me have to answer the questions using my own words says in order to provide an understanding or to show my understanding of the concepts that I was learning. Writing the short reports was also very good because it helps with the research aspect given that the course is free it’s a wealth of information and for anyone interested in taking up intercultural studies this is a good way to test the waters.
  • Anonymous
    An excellent introduction to the field of (critical) interculturality! For those who are fed up with simplistic, stereotyping approaches to the concept of culture it is a great opportunity to expand their knowledge repertoire.
  • Anonymous
    Really great introductory course on intercultural studies. Well-structured and interesting, complete with ample references for supplemental reading and learning if one so desires. Worthwhile in-course activities, as well-- really helps you check your understanding of the material. Thank you for putting together this course, Dr. Collins!
  • Anonymous
    I found the exercises had me think seriously about my personal stand on cultural issues and to look outside the given material for some serious ideas about culture. Enjoyed that stretching of my mind concerning cultural issues.

    Not my first Introduction to Intercultural studies courses and won't be my last.

  • Anonymous
    Found the course to be of benefit in some lessons areas but lacking in others. The exercises were not needed as they were more reviews and the concluding example and exercise was more about human rights and took the lesson off-topic.
  • Anonymous
    I truly enjoyed the course and I believe it bring us discussions that broadens our horizons regarding what culture is, who we are and how we perceive others.
  • Anonymous
    This course definitely widened my understanding of myself and others around me who belong to different cultures. The course made me make a slight shift in how I view the world around me and to think critically and analyse culture and behaviours in a more open and objective way. I enjoyed watching the videos and reading the materials , I also saved all the recommended readings for future reference and for a good read. the design of the course helped me to finish it at home, and on time without worrying about deadlines. The lecturer has a good grip on the subject and his teaching methods made it easier for me to learn in a progressive pace. Great course.
    Randa
  • Anonymous
    Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Defining the Concept of Culture is one of the series of 5 courses by University of Leeds.

    I found this course very interesting and very well structured. It uses a variety of materials to introduce the learner to the concept of Culture and Intreculturality.

    I highly recommend it to all who is interested in this area of learning.
  • Anonymous
    The course gave me a lot of in-depth insights regarding culture. It is also very interactive and the terms used are easily understood. This course was fun to learn and one can really reflect on his/her personal views; one can relate his or her surroundings on the subject matter. Thank you so much.
  • Anonymous
    A really interesting and well presented course with a good mixture of videos, articles and discussions. It has certainly helped my understanding of this area of study.
  • Anonymous
    A well designed course to make one understand the concepts of culture. Anyone with an interest in 'cultural studies' must take this course.
  • Anonymous
    A lot of this course has been discussed in Introduction to Intercultural Contacts and The Branding of Culture.

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.