Global Communication at a Personal Scale
The Intercultural Relations program’s unique focus on the human dimension of personal interaction sets it apart from the traditional macro-political approach of most international relations programs. This focus attracts a globally diverse student body, comprising individuals who who wish to foster mutual respect and cooperation among individuals with different cultural backgrounds.
Who Are Our Graduates?
Graduates often pursue careers in international student advising, international education, advocacy, intercultural communications, or conflict transformation. Our program is ideal for individuals seeking to enter or currently working in an organization and/or community with diverse populations, who wish to enhance their cultural fluency.
Program of Study
The 36-credit Intercultural Relations program has three principal components: core courses, elective courses, and an internship. The six core courses introduce the knowledge, learning experiences, and technical skills that form the foundation of study. Electives offer the chance to study specific areas of interest, such as immigration law, conflict transformation, and intercultural consulting. Your internship will help you make informed decisions about your career. View the detailed Intercultural Relations program of study (PDF).
Sample Course Descriptions
GINTC 6001: International Student Advising
3 credits
Focus on the purposes and philosophy of an international office and its impact on the international student advisor. Topics include counseling/advising, intercultural programming, publications, office management systems, ethics/ legal responsibilities, and data management.
GINTC 6100: Identity, Culture and the Politics of Difference
3 credits
This course focuses on intercultural interactions and what each of us brings to these encounters. Cultural self- awareness, identity, value systems, and worldviews are explored along with their impact on behaviors across cultures. The influences of individual and group prejudices, and their impact on interactions and cultural transactions (both domestic and international) are explored.
GINTC 7105: Dimensions and Methods of Cultural Exploration I
3 credits
This course offers an overview of qualitative field-research methodology including participant observation, ethnographic interviewing, analysis of field notes, and narrative accounts. In addition, students will select a culture for focused exploration, begin a literature review, identify cultural “consultants” for their ethnographic study, get consent forms signed, and conduct observations.
Faculty Spotlight
Arlene Dallalfar
Professor of Sociology
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Branca Telles Ribeiro
Professor of Intercultural Relations
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