Program Overview

General Information

The Intercultural Communication Studies program is an international, intercultural, interdisciplinary, and multilingual program offered by the Language Centre in collaboration with other departments of the University of Tampere. It is designed to complement language and communication skills courses, and thereby increase intercultural communication competence. The program is open to students of all faculties, and it has also been approved as a minor subject by some faculties. The courses are taught mainly in English to encourage the participation of international students and promote interaction between them and Finnish students.

The Intercultural Communication Studies program consists of basic compulsory courses on intercultural communication theory and practice, followed by a choice of courses on various cultures, skills and practical applications. Some of the culture specific courses are taught in the language of the culture concerned. There is also a small language component to encourage students to become familiar with a less commonly taught language.

The program operates:

Target groups:
Finnish students, international students, and university personnel of both the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology.

Language of instruction:
English is the most commonly used language, but in the appropriate parts, other languages have their place. Students are encouraged to create a multilingual package from courses in different languages.

Extent of the program: 25 ECTS credits (15 credits)

Examiner: Ewald Reuter, phone: 3551 6147, email: ewald.reuter@uta.fi

Program Coordinator: Nancy Aalto, phone 3551 6380, email: nancy.aalto@uta.fi. Any questions concerning the Intercultural Communication Studies program can be directed to Nancy Aalto: office hour Wednesdays 14.15-15.00 and by appointment.

Registering for Courses

The number of places in the courses is limited. Attendance and class participation are also considered essential for completion of most of the courses. For some courses it is preferable that the Foundations courses be taken first.

Registration takes place by computer for most of the courses, see the university website for further information: www.uta.fi /studies/nettiopsu/. Final registration lists will be posted on the internet and on the Intercultural Communication Studies noticeboard in the Language Centre. Due to the nature of the subject and the methodology used, the courses need to have a mixture of Finnish and international students. Therefore, when there are more students than the group can take, a final class list will be made based on the following factors:

The final list will be posted before the first class meeting. There will also be a waiting list in case someone on the final list cannot participate after all. Students on the waiting list should attend the first class or check with the teacher during the first 2 weeks of the term to see if any places have become available. Students on the final list should notify the teacher or the Program Coordinator if they cannot come to the first class but plan to attend the course, or if they cannot attend the course at all.

For the language courses in sections 1 and 2 of the program, see the Language Centre Study Guide, the Schedule of Courses or the teachers of the courses for information on how to sign-up. Only special courses will be listed on the ICS noticeboard.

Students not taking the whole ICS program can take individual courses if there are places available.

Students from Tampere University of Technology can take part in the ICS program under the JOO agreement. The first course, Introduction to Intercultural Communication is also offered at Hervanta in cooperation with the TUT Language Centre. Students can take other courses to complete the ICS program at the University of Tampere, but they have to first apply to their own university, see joopas.fi . The application is also in English.

Course Materials

In some courses there will be a materials fee for course materials which will be distributed by the teachers. Some material may also be available to course participants on a very limited short-term loan through the Language Centre’s Self-Access Centre.

Intercultural Communication Studies Noticeboard

The ICS noticeboard is located in the E-wing opposite room E 332.

Objectives of the Program

Credits / ECTS

In the ICS program, 1 credit is worth 27 hours of work for a student, including class time, reading and assignments. The number of hours of class time may differ from course to course; however, it is generally 12 hours per credit. Language courses may contain more class hours.

In Fall 2005 Finnish universities will change from counting “credits” -opintoviikot (ov), to “ECTS credits” - opintopisteet (op). Therefore, there have been some changes in the ICS program. Under the new system there is now a one-to-one correspondence between new Finnish credit units and ECTS. However, students who have decided to remain in the old system will still be given “opintoviikot”, and the values will be different. If you have any questions concerning this, please contact the Program Coordinator. If you are planning to complete the whole program and have started under the old system, it would be advisable to go over your plans with the Program Coordinator to see how the changes will affect you.

Components of the Program

1. Foundations of Intercultural Communication - Theory and Practice

The courses in this section aim to provide basic theories on culture, communication and intercultural interactions. These theories will then be applied through exercises designed to increase students’ awareness of themselves as cultural beings and of the influence of culture on communication. The courses in this section are compulsory for completion of the whole 25 ECTS credit program, and preferably they should be taken first. They may also be prerequisites for some of the other courses.

2. Dimensions and Applications of Intercultural Communication

The courses in this section deal with various aspects of culture and communication within specified contexts. The aim is to increase students’ understanding of these aspects, and their ability to apply the knowledge they have gained.

3. Cultures, Skills and Practice

This section deals with specific cultures such as national, linguistic, ethnic or professional groups. There are also courses which aim to develop specific skills, and opportunities to practice intercultural communication skills.

4. Language Component

Language study is also included in the program to encourage students to try a language which is not compulsory for their degree. Students can take courses on any level in any language other than English (Finns cannot use Finnish or Swedish language courses either) to fulfil this requirement. However, the same course cannot be used to for degree requirements or those of another program. Some introductory courses in languages not regularly taught in the Language Centre may also be arranged as part of this program.

Contents of the Program

This is the full program, for courses offered this year see the teaching schedule.

1. Foundations of Intercultural Communication - Theory & Practice

Both of the courses in this section are compulsory, and 101 should be completed before or concurrently with 102. Since the Foundations courses provide important basic information, and may also be prerequisites for taking some other courses in the program, they should be taken first.

101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication 5 ECTS credits (3 credits)
102 Increasing Intercultural Competence 5 ECTS credits (3 credits)

2. Dimensions and Applications of Intercultural Communication

3. Cultures, Skills and Practice

4. Language Component

Choose 3-6 ECTS credits (2 credits only)

Courses on any level in the following languages may be used for this section:

Finnish as a Foreign Language,
Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Introduction to… Language and Culture

In regard to the last course in the list above, introductory courses on languages and cultures not usually taught in the Language Centre may also be arranged as part of this program. Courses which fulfill degree requirements or those of another program may not be applied to this section. It is possible that some languages may not be offered every term.

Not all of the courses listed above will be given during one academic year. Check the fall and spring schedules to see which courses will be offered. Most courses require a minimum number of participants; therefore, cancellations may occur during the first 2-3 weeks. New courses may also be added. See the ICS noticeboard and the Language Center website for the most up-to-date information.

Flexible Credits in Sections 2-4

The total number of required ECTS credits (op) to complete the ICS program is now 25. Due to the fact that the courses offered may vary from year to year, the required number of credits for sections 2-4 has been made flexible. Thus, in addition to the minimum number of credits required for each section, 5 additional credits can be chosen from, and preferably spread out between, sections 2-4.

In some cases, students may choose to receive more or less credits for a specific course, depending on the requirements set by the teacher. In other words, in some cases students may have a choice of receiving fewer credits for a course for doing less work, for example, being exempt from an assignment. Choosing fewer credits may mean taking a grade of “Pass” instead of a number grade.

Summary of Credits by Section for the Complete Program

The requirement for the completion of the ICS program is 25 ECTS credits. It is possible to take more than 25 ECTS credits; however, when the final grade is calculated, only 25 ECTS credits can be included in the total. The rest of the credits will be counted as general studies. Once the final grade is calculated it cannot be changed.

Grading

Grades will be given for most courses. In some cases, only a grade of “Pass” or “Hyväksytty” will be granted upon completion of the course requirements. The grading scale is as follows:

The final grade for the whole program will be indicated in the register as either ET - “Erittäin hyvät tiedot” or Excellent, HT - “Hyvät tiedot” or Good, or TT -“Tyydyttävät tiedot” or Satisfactory.

Completing the Whole Program

If you are planning to take the whole 25 ECTS credit program, you are advised to go over your selection of courses with the Program Coordinator in good time. Courses taken in other departments of the university must be approved by the Examiner before they can be applied to the ICS program. This process may take time. The total number of ECTS credits must be exactly 25. It is possible to take more than 25 ECTS credits, but you must then decide which courses you want to include in the final grade. The remaining courses will go under General Studies. When you think you have completed all of the requirements, you should inform the Program Coordinator so the register can be checked and the final grade calculated.

Course Descriptions

1. Foundations of Intercultural Communication - Theory and Practice

101 Introduction to Intercultural Communication 5 ECTS credits (3 credits)

AIMS: To increase students’ knowledge and awareness of culture and its influence on communication, as well as their awareness of themselves as cultural beings.

CONTENTS: Major theories related to intercultural communication will be explored, and various exercises will be used to demonstrate the practical applications of these theories, thereby enhancing the students’ understanding of them. The topics covered will include: basic terminology, aspects of intercultural learning, concepts of culture and communication, factors influencing communication, cultural variables, and models for developing awareness and sensitivity.

Requirements: Attendance and active participation in classes, readings to be distributed by the teacher (materials fee), completion of assignments and final exam.

102 Increasing Intercultural Competence 5 ECTS credits (3 credits)

AIMS: To provide students with tools for analyzing communication situations and opportunities to practice and develop their communication skills in order to reduce communication anxiety and promote communication as an essential means of managing cultural differences and adapting to new situations and environments.

CONTENTS: Various principles and techniques relevant to intercultural communication situations such as cultural differences in communication style, problem-solving, and non-verbal communication will be investigated. Through experiential exercises and group work, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained as well as to test and improve their own communication skills.

Requirements: Attendance and active participation in classes, readings to be distributed by the teacher (materials fee), completion of assignments and final exam.

Prerequisite or corequisite: It is recommended that you take Introduction to Intercultural Communication first or concurrently if possible.

2. Dimensions and Applications of Intercultural Communication

201 Aspects of Multiculturalism 3 ECTS credits (2 credits)

AIMS: To examine what multiculturalism is from the viewpoint of social theory; to explore how multiculturalism can be seen and experienced (or not) in specific contexts such as social work, health care centers, residential areas and schools.

CONTENTS: The context and contents of this course will vary. The main emphasis will be on the application of theories of multiculturalism and actual practice/experience.

202 Cultural Marginality 3 ECTS credits (2 credits)

AIMS: To become more familiar with cultural marginality by studying a subculture or minority group.

CONTENTS: After some basic readings on cultural marginality, students will choose a minority group to investigate, e.g., racial and ethnic minorities, gay culture, deaf culture, etc. They can work individually, or in pairs or small groups. The procedure will involve making a proposal for the project, discussing it with a tutor, and presenting their findings in a paper and/or presentation. The number of credits will vary depending upon the amount of work done, and this will be agreed upon with the tutor when the proposal is discussed.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that at least one of the Foundations courses 101 or 102 be taken first.

203 Investigating Aspects of Culture 3 ECTS credits (2 credits)

AIMS: To give an introduction to methods of investigating various elements involved in intercultural communication.

CONTENTS: Information will be given about approaches to studying intercultural communication, and students will also examine research reports to become familiar with the methods used. A small study on some aspect of intercultural communication will then be carried out and reported on.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that at least one of the Foundations courses 101 or 102 be taken first.

204 Visual Art - Perception - Identity 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

AIMS AND CONTENTS: Visual Art, in particular photography and media-art, are the topics of the seminar. Every culture has visualized and canonized the themes of art in its very own style. The signs and methods used, traditionally rooted or imported, are mostly authentic expressions of a multilayered cultural perception and identity. In the seminar we will focus on visual artworks and media of different cultural regions, and we will try to identify connections and relationships between visual art, perception and identity. Work will be done in teams and individually, on partly self-chosen tasks. Lectures and presentations will be given on special aspects of the theme. We will find our raw material in art-catalogues, journals, the Internet, TV, and in local museums and art-galleries. Credits will be given in relation to the work done.

205 Language, Communication and Culture 1 ECTS credit (1 credit)

AIMS: To increase understanding of the relationships between language, communication, and culture, and examine the role of language in intercultural communication and cultural identity.

CONTENTS: The format of the course will be a seminar where the students will pick a topic to explore and report on to the whole group. Students can work individually or in pairs or groups, and the coursework will consist of some contact hours, but also independent work, tutorials and use of the Internet. A more detailed syllabus will be negotiated during the introductory class sessions. Due to the brevity of the course, the number of places will be limited.

206 Extra Project/Alternative Course 1-3 ECTS credits (1-2 credits)

Special ICS courses may be offered under this heading. Up to 4 transfer credits can be given for a relevant course offered by another department in the University of Tampere. The course must be approved by the Intercultural Communication Studies Program Examiner. For further information contact the Program Coordinator.

3. Cultures, Skills and Practice

301 Gespräche über finnisch-deutsche Kulturunterschiede 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

AIMS AND CONTENTS: The aim of the seminar is to observe people who are talking about cultural differences between Finns and Germans. Examples from everyday life, jobs, politics, art, literature, film, education and science will show how these people compare the two cultures. Firstly, the analysis will show how and why they characterize something as typically Finnish or typically German. Secondly, it can be observed whether some particular interests or contexts occur in the discussion about cultural differences. Finally, the examples of the analysis will show why “cultural differences” has become a theme of great current interest in many countries.

Ziele und Inhalt: Ziel des Seminars ist die Beobachtung von Personen, die Gespräche über finnischdeutsche Kulturunterschiede führen. An Beispielen aus Alltag, Beruf, Politik, Kunst, Literatur, Film, Erziehung und Wissenschaft wird gezeigt, wie diese Personen Schritt für Schritt vorgehen, wenn sie die “finnische” Kultur mit der “deutschen” Kultur vergleichen. Erstens zeigt die Analyse, auf welche Mittel diese Personen zurückgreifen, wenn sie etwas als “typisch finnisch” oder als “typisch deutsch” charakterisieren. Zweitens zeigt die Analyse, inwiefern Gespräche über Kulturunterschiede bestimmte Interessen artikulieren und an bestimmte Kontexte gebunden sind. Deshalb kann die Analyse drittens auch Gründe dafür nennen, warum das Thema “Kulturunterschiede” in den letzten Jahren nicht nur in Finnland zum Modethema geworden ist.

Prerequisite: Good command of German.

302 Cultura española 3 ECTS credits (2 credits)

Lengua de enseñanza: Español.

OBJETIVOS: Familiarizar a los estudiantes con la cultura española como medio de conocimiento de la sociedad actual.

CONTENIDOS: Conocimientos básicos de la historia, la literatura, el arte y otras manifestaciones culturales, así como de las tradiciones y forma de vida en España.

Requisitos previos: Buen nivel de comprensión oral y escrito del idioma. Es necesario haber realizado cursos de nivel Intermedio-alto o Superior, o tener un conocimiento de la lengua española equivalente.

Duración: 35 horas.

Material y metodología: Bibliografía recomendada a lo largo del curso. Material facilitado por el profesor, proyecciones, videos, etc.

Evaluación: Asistencia y participación activa en las clases. Examen escrito al final del semestre o del curso académico.

Profesor: María Carmen Heikkilä

303 Cultura latinoamericana 3 ECTS credits (2 credits)

Lengua de enseñanza: Español.

OBJETIVOS: Familiarizar a los estudiantes con la cultura de los países de habla española como medio de conocimiento de la sociedad actual, haciendo hincapié en sus relaciones interculturales.

CONTENIDOS: Conocimientos básicos de la historia, la literatura, el arte y otras manifestaciones culturales, así como de las tradiciones y modos de vida en Latinoamérica.

Requisitos previos: Buen nivel de comprensión oral y escrito del español. Es necesario haber realizado cursos de nivel Intermedio-alto o Superior, o tener un conocimiento de la lengua española equivalente.

Duración: 35 horas.

Material y metodología: Bibliografía recomendada a lo largo del curso. Material facilitado por el profesor, proyecciones, videos, etc.

Evaluación: Asistencia y participación activa en las clases. Examen escrito al final del semestre o del curso académico.

Profesor: María Carmen Heikkilä

304 InterActing across Cultures 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

AIMS: To develop good communication strategies by exploring how sound, movement, voice, gestures, cultural barriers and images can affect communication.

CONTENTS: This will be a lively, fast-paced class. Students will be asked to take part in a wide variety of drama activities (incl. improvisations, role-plays, storytelling, porblem-solving, voice projection, interpretive movement and awareness raising activities) that will help them to experience and process key topics in intercultural communication. Debriefing sessions (guided discussions) will also be used.

305 Intercultural Communication at Work 2 ECTS credits (2 credits)

AIMS: To apply the basic theories and awareness gained from the introductory courses to educational situations.

CONTENTS: The course will cover topics such as cultural variables related to learning and teaching, types of exercises, risks involved, working in multicultural groups, and other issues. Students will be required to do a project, such as developing an exercise or course plan. The course requirements include attendance and active participation, reading, and completion of the project and any assignments given. This course is meant for teachers, prospective teachers, educational planners and others with a specific interest in this field.

306 Multicultural Stories 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

AIMS: To discuss topics such as race, sexuality, gender issues and culture by examining various memoirs and stories that explore multicultural themes.

CONTENTS: Storytelling is one of the most human of all activities. This course explores how different stories of common experiences such as coming of age and being a woman can be. Questions such as “what does it mean to be biracial in western society”, “what are the cultural/racial dimensions within the gay community”, and “what similarities/differences are seen in these stories” will be raised. Among the authors to be considered are Toni Morrison, James McBride, Paul Monette, bell hooks, and Amy Tan. Participants will be expected to do a lot of reading to prepare for class discussions. There will be reading packet for the course.

307 Cultural Conversations 1-2 ECTS credits (1credit)

AIMS: To practice and improve language and communication skills, to learn about another culture, and to be able to explain one’s own culture.

CONTENTS: International and Finnish students will work together in pairs or small groups, setting their own language and culture learning goals, filing reports on their activities, and evaluating the results of their meetings according to the goals they set. The number of credits given will depend on the amount of work done.

308 Tutoring International Students 1 ECTS credit (1 credit)

In connection with the International Tutoring program of TAMY, it is possible to receive credits in the ICS program for volunteering to be a tutor for international students. This will only be open to Finnish students who have already completed or are currently participating in courses 101. or 102. of the ICS program. To receive a credit, participants will have to participate in tutor training sessions and activities, keeping a record of what they have done and for how many hours, as well as their reactions and insights into their experiences. On the basis of their notes they will write a short paper at the end of the term about their tutoring experience. The first training session for international tutors is held in the spring term; however, it will also be possible to join this project in August/September. If you are interested, contact Nancy Aalto.

309 Cincinnati-Tampere Videoconferencing Project 1 ECTS credit (1 credit)

We have a project together with the University of Ohio at Cincinnati that will involve 3 videoconferences and international teamwork via email between students at both universities. After some introductory sessions, participants will be given a short assignment to be carried out in teams made up of students from both Cincinnati and Tampere. The final videoconferencing session will consist of team reports. This pilot project will only be open to about 10 Finnish students who have already completed or are currently participating in other ICS courses.

310 Extra Project/Alternative Course 1-2 ECTS credits (1-2 credits)

Special ICS courses may be offered under this heading. Up to three transfer credits can also be given for a relevant course offered by another department in the University of Tampere. The course must be approved by the Intercultural Communication Studies Program Examiner.

4. Language Component 3-6 ECTS credits (2 credits)

Three to six ECTS credits from courses on any level in the following languages may be used for this section:

Finnish as a Foreign Language
Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Introduction to… Language and Culture

In regard to the last course in list above, introductory courses on languages not usually taught in the Language Centre may also be arranged as part of this program. Courses which fulfill degree requirements or those of another program may not be applied to this section. It is possible that some languages may not be offered every term.

Survival Course in Finnish as a Foreign Language 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

OBJECTIVES: The student will learn useful words and phrases for everyday conversation and interaction: greetings, how to interpret instructions, regulations, opening hours, road signs etc.

CONTENTS: The student will learn about the Finnish way of life, and the basics of Finnish language. The course concentrates on the words and language use necessary for practical everyday situations.

Follow-up Course in Finnish as a Foreign Language 2 ECTS credits (1 credit)

Previous studies: Survival Course in Finnish.

OBJECTIVES: The student will learn how to cope with such everyday situations as she/he will meet at a bank of a post office, at a chemist’s, in a shop or department store, when seeing a doctor, being invited to sauna etc.

CONTENTS: Practical exercises connected to the above situations. Emphasis on words and different expressions and language use.