5N0765 Intercultural Studies

As a mandatory module of the Applied Social Studies major award and an elective module of the healthcare support certificate, intercultural studies is becoming a much sought after module to assist in working in today’s multicultural work and social environments. It empowers learners to explore, reflect and anaylse intercultural issues such as diversity, racism, prejudice, conflict, inclusion, participation and interdependence while also reflecting on their own culture.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of intercultural issues by developing a respect for self, others and for diversity and exploring a variety of ways of dealing with issues arising from cultural differences
• Discuss the key elements of ‘culture’, ‘society’, ‘stereotyping’, ‘cultural myths’, ‘racism’ xenophobia’, ‘nationalism’, ‘assimilation’ and ‘integration’
• Discuss the manner in which a variety of cultures, mark significant life milestones ie marriage, death and compare the role of religious belief in two contrasting societies’
• Examine the influence of culture on personal identity and recognise prejudice and stereotyping in other people and in themselves
• Discuss the links between aid, colonialism, trade, slavery and racism and explore possible reasons why groups such as emigrants, migrants and immigrants may experience prejudice and discrimination from members of a dominant culture
• Explore the contribution of the media to attitude formation, cultural identity and popular opinion and critically evaluate the portrayal of cultural diversity in a variety of popular magazines
• Analyse and evaluate various aspects of interculturalism using a range of methods and sources ie investigating the cultural origins of current popular music and cinema
• Design appropriate survey methods eg questionnaires interview to explore key choices and challenges posed by living in a new cultural environment and examine some ways societies promote and foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity
• Explore and discuss the key legislation governing inter-personal relationships in Irish society, for example the Equality Act, Equal Status Act, Employment Equality Act and examine the role of peace-making and peace keeping organisations
• Exercise initiative and independence by exploring attitudes that contribute to racist behaviour by identifying and exploring incidences and reason for some current intercultural conflicts
• Critically examine and evaluate her/his values in relation to intercultural issues for example refugees, aid, work permits
• Process and present findings from research and outline key principles for guidelines to promote inclusive behaviour in, for example, the workplace, clubs, societies, schools, training centres.

Assessments

• Project 60%
• Learner Record 40%

Transfer

Successful completion of this component award enables the learner to transfer to programmes leading to other certificates where this component is an elective requirement.