Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication Dalhousie University

Overview

As the role of culture, identity, and perception is crucial in communication, Dalhousie University 's  Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication programme will start the course with exploring these concepts and examining how they shape the way people think, speak, and behave. You will also explore communication models, styles and strategies of effective communication, as well as critically analyze verbal and nonverbal behaviour. In addition, you will develop persuasion skills and techniques of managing emotions to become more confident and successful in communication. You will also learn to negotiate, avoid barriers to effective interpersonal and intercultural communication, and manage interpersonal conflicts in everyday life.

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the processes, models, and functions of interpersonal communication;

• apply the main theories and frameworks of interpersonal and intercultural communication to real-life situations;

• explain the interrelationships among a world view, language, identity, perception, and culture, as well as the differences in cultural values and their connection with communication styles;

• analyze other people's communication behaviours, as well as your own culture and its influence on your verbal and nonverbal behaviour;

• discuss the importance of mutual respect and interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity for effective communication;

• examine specific interpersonal experiences and contexts to learn the ways of effective interpersonal and intercultural communication;

• recognize the face systems and linguistic strategies used in the process of interpersonal and intercultural communication;

• distinguish various communication styles and know the ways of avoiding miscommunication;

• demonstrate effective conflict management strategies to resolve interpersonal and intercultural conflicts, characterized by the diversity of race, language, and culture, at the workplace; and

• demonstrate effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including listening and verbal/nonverbal behaviours.

Microcredential

This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.