Intercultural relations

Intercultural relations, sometimes called intercultural studies, is a relatively new formal field of social science studies. It is a practical, multi-field discipline designed to train its students to understand, communicate, and accomplish specific goals outside their own cultures.[1] Intercultural relations involves, at a fundamental level, learning how to see oneself and the world through the eyes of another. It seeks to prepare students for interaction with cultures both similar to their own (e.g. a separate socioeconomic group in one's own country) or very different from their own (e.g. an American businessman in a small Amazon tribal society).[2] Some aspects of intercultural relations also include, their power and cultural identity with how the relationship should be upheld with other foreign countries.[3]

An American Woman Interacting Inter-Culturally in Yunnan Province, China.
A cross-cultural interaction in Yunnan Province, China

Nature

The study of intercultural relations incorporates many different academic disciplines. As a field, it is most closely tied to anthropology and sociology, although a degree program in intercultural relations or intercultural studies may also include the study of history, research methods, urban studies, gender studies, public health, many various natural sciences, human development, political science, psychology, religion, missiology, and linguistics or other language training.[4] Often, intercultural programs are designed to translate these academic disciplines into a practical training curricula. Graduate programs will also prepare students for academic research and publication.[5] Especially in today's global and multicultural world, students of intercultural relations can use their training in many fields both internationally and domestically, and often pursue careers in social work, law, community development, religious work, and urban development.[6] Intercultural relations offers the opportunity to direct you in experiencing and learning about the diverse relations within our world.[7]

History

The origins of the practical use of multi-field intercultural relations can be traced back to Christian missionaries seeking to relate the Christian gospel to other cultures in effective, ethical and culturally sensitive ways.[8][9] Many intercultural studies programs are offered at religious institutions as training for missionaries and religiously motivated international development workers, and therefore often include some training in theology and evangelism.[10] However, in an increasingly globalized world, the broader discipline attracts persons from many backgrounds with many different career goals.[11] Bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees are offered in the discipline.

Topics

Some of the main topics of study are:

  • Anthropology and Sociology
  • Culture Theory
  • Development of cultural competence
  • Analyzing cultural patterns around the world
  • World Religions
  • Gender Studies
  • Strategies for adapting
  • Intercultural communication
  • Teaching social skills to reduce cultural misunderstandings
  • Research methodology in order to produce academic works and increase access to a culture
  • Linguistics
  • Intercultural relationships
  • Interethnic relationships
  • Interracial relationships
  • Interreligious relationships

See also

References
  1. Elmhurst College. "Intercultural Studies Program". http://public.elmhurst.edu/academics/1265647.html Archived 2015-01-13 at the Wayback Machine. 2012.
  2. learn.org, "What is Intercultural Studies?". http://learn.org/articles/What_is_Intercultural_Studies.html. 2012.
  3. Hes, Aleš; Koubová, Marie; Chlumská, Tereza (2015). "Changes in Value Structures and the Importance of Intercultural Communication in Modern Society". Communication Today. 6 (1): 16–23. ProQuest 1694514961.
  4. Martin, Judith N.; Nakayama, Thomas K. (2004). Experiencing Intercultural Communication: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-286289-8.
  5. learn.org, "What is Intercultural Studies?". http://learn.org/articles/What_is_Intercultural_Studies.html. 2012.
  6. The College Board. "2012 Book of Majors". College Board. 2011. (512-513)
  7. "International Higher Education & Intercultural Relations | Lesley University". www.lesley.edu. Retrieved 2017-09-20.
  8. Pierson, Paul Everett (2009). The Dynamics of Christian Mission: History Through a Missiological Perspective. WCIU Press. ISBN 978-0-86585-006-4.
  9. Erickson, Paul A.; Murphy, Liam Donat (2008). A History of Anthropological Theory. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 978-1-4426-0110-9.
  10. Wheaton College. "Intercultural Studies and Missions>. http://www.wheaton.edu/Academics/Departments/INTR/INTR-Missions Archived 2013-08-15 at the Wayback Machine. 2011
  11. Teather, D. (2004). "The networking alliance: A mechanism for the internationalisation of higher education?". Managing Education Matters. 7 (2): 3.


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