LS1600 Intercultural Competence 4.5 credits

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.

General entry requirements.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• LEXA - Continuous Assessment, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Continuous examination.

Under certain circumstances, other examination forms may be used.

All examination parts passed.

Björn Kjellgren

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

LS2600 Global Competence

This course is the first step in KTH's Certificate of Global Competence (CGC). The second step consists of exchange studies, internship abroad or Minor Field Studies, and the third and final of the course LS2600 Global Compentece. To obtain the certificate, this course must be completed before the start of the exchange studies, but can otherwise be taken at any time during the programme, and is open to all students at KTH.

International students wishing to obtain the certificate may take this course in the beginning of their stay at KTH and then continue with the second course, their time in Sweden being the equivalent of Swedish students' exchange studies abroad.

For more details, please visit: www.kth.se/globalcompetence