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Intercultural Competence Classes and Experiences

Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one’s own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility through a mix of three introspective courses in which you learn about others while reflecting upon your own self in relation to others. The goal is for you to build your capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences.

Some example courses

You’ll take at least 1 of these core courses:

  • COMM 160 Communication and Culture
  • UF 200 Civic and Ethical Foundations
  •  GLOBAL 101 Global Studies: Conflict, Cooperation and Change (DLS course)
  •  PSYC 219 Cross-Cultural Psychology (Prereq. PSYCH101)
  •  PSYC 229 Psychology of Gender (Prereq PSYC 101)
  •  INTBUS 220 Go Global: You and the World Economy
  •  ED-LLC 205 Migration Studies in Education
  •  ED-LLC 200 Cultural Diversity in the School
  • GENDER 303 Introduction to Women’s Studies
  • GENDER 200 Introduction to Gender Studies
  • ENGL 216 Cultural Exchange in Transnational Literatures (Prereq ENGL 102)
  • SOC 230 (DLS) Introduction to Ethnic Studies
  •  HIST 310 World-Wide Diaspora: Causes & Consequences of the Modern RefugeeCrisis

Additional Electives

And choose 2 additional electives from the previous list or from the following list:

  • Sociology
  •  Psychology
  • Communication
  • Gender Studies
  • Public Health
  • Leadership Studies
  • Global Studies
  • Refugee Studies
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Political Science
  • World Languages
  • English

Optional: Intercultural experience in place of elective(s)

Engage with others outside of your own culture(s)

This might include participating in multiple events, social gatherings, meetings, or other activities equaling an extended experience in a minimum of 50 hours and write a brief reflection about the experience using the DEAL model.

Examples include:

  • Volunteer with an agency that works with refugees in the community (agencies such as Global Gardens, International Rescue Committee, and the Agency for New Americans are all great places to volunteer)
  • Stay with a host family while traveling overseas or while studying abroad

This requirement is broad and is meant to be inclusive of many different cross-cultural experiences. Please check-in with your advisor about the selection of your experience and to discuss some important tips about developing and practicing cultural awareness.