Course Catalogue

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We are living in a modern, globalised and hyperconnected world where more than 272 million people live outside their home country, and even more of us regularly digitally interact across borders. Our cultural identities, values and beliefs are essential in helping us to remain grounded as we navigate this connectivity. However, in times of uncertainty these same cultural identities can exacerbate confusion, anxiety, stress, upset and even conflict situations. On this microcredential course you will learn how competencies and attitudes such as tolerance, empathy, critical thinking, listening for understanding and intentional speaking can strengthen your intercultural understanding of and emotional resilience to the challenges that emerge in uncertain times. Using example situations and your own real-world personal experiences, the course ultimately develops your resilience and ability to make pragmatic decisions, alter your behaviours and interact more openly, skilfully, and constructively with others in a manner which prioritises culture and intercultural relationships.

Teaching sessions are 2 hours in duration. There are 5 teaching sessions attached to this course.

Participants should meet the following entry requirements. 

■ SQA Higher S6 (AAAAB)* OR national equivalent OR a first degree (any subject) AND, for applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.

*we will accept adjusted Scottish Highers for widening participation students. For details of entry with Scottish Highers or equivalent please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements/policy/#

■ Alternatively, current enrolment in a University of Glasgow Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree will also satisfy entry.

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Written reflexive assignment (2000 words / 100%)

This course is rooted in the idea that we live and work in a multi- and intercultural global society rich in diversity yet increasingly interconnected. It also recognises that being part of this interconnected world, we have to navigate differences in many areas of our personal and professional lives (e.g. diverse teams, differences in background, gender, ethnicity, etc.). Many of our differences are not always visible to us. The course therefore aims to provide a foundational understanding of the competencies and lifelong learning tools that enable you to become more aware of the cultural contexts in which you find yourself, and to better cope with uncertain situations which require you to leave your personal cultural comfort zone. Developing skills which allow you to recognise difference and respond to intercultural and emotionally challenging situations will support your ability to engage and cooperate, whether physically or online, with people across business, educational, civic, and social settings.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

■ Identify and critically reflect upon the emotional and practical challenges created by cross-cultural differences and uncertainty in personal, national, or business experiences and relationships.

■ Use reflexivity to demonstrate knowledge and applicability of appropriate intercultural competency tools for building and managing emotional resilience as well as supporting opportunities for change in dealing with uncertain situations.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.