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.
In relation to the student's specific profession, we will examine what relevant roles and expectations can exist in Swedish companies and workplaces, as well as discuss what consequences this can have, for example in multi-disciplinary project work.
We discuss how intercultural skills link to KTH's core values and other commonly occurring values and norms in Sweden, for instance gender equality and sustainable development.
The course also brings up emotional aspects of international teamwork and work in Sweden.
Documentation, reflection and accounting of intercultural experiences and learning are brought up as a step towards personal development and future employability.
The aim of the course is to, for their own professions, give the students the knowledge, skills and approaches that are required to work constructively, creatively and ethically and with personal and cultural variation in Swedish environments characterised by cultural and social diversity.
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
• Present an experience-based understanding of how personal and cultural variation and diversity influence understanding, feelings, decision-making, communication and teamwork
• Problematise one's own and others' descriptions of culture and identifications based on, for example, sex, nationality, ethnicity, class, age, language and profession
• Give personal examples of knowledge, skills and approaches that support and develop intercultural skills
• Explain how intercultural skills link to the KTH core values and other commonly occurring values and norms in Sweden, for instance gender equality and sustainable development
• 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.
• Identify challenges in the form of communication patterns that can be impediments for you to work in your profession in Sweden, as well as describe efficient, creative and constructive ways to take on these challenges
• Systematically document, reflect on and present intercultural experiences and learning
• Present an action plan, based on personal and self understanding, for your continued work toward increased intercultural skills
