[ Intercultural Studies ]

Major in Intercultural Studies

A major in Intercultural Studies at Elmhurst is excellent preparation for careers in areas such as business, health professions, human services, and social sciences.

Objectives of the Major
Requirements for the Major

Objectives of the Major

• To fully develop cultural group knowledge and understanding;
• To competently use intercultural models to analyze similarities and differences between cultures (ethnic, racial, gender,  social class, and other minority and national identities) and their interactions;
• To develop an ability to analyze power,social hierarchy, and social inequality effects in interactions involving individuals,  groups, organizations, and nations;
• To develop problem-solving skills as they relate to the ability to effectively communicate with and relate to others from  various cultural or national backgrounds;
• To advance the ability to recognize, understand, and utilize multidisciplinary concepts, theories, and perspectives as applied  to intragroup and intergroup relationships and situations;
• To continue enhancement of self and own group knowledge and acceptance in order to more fully develop the knowledge,  skills, attitudes, and commitment to function ever-more effectively in various intergroup contexts, including globally;
• To enhance the ability to act in applied learning roles and to interact effectively in intercultural situations.

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Requirements of the Major

Required Courses (3.5 credits)
ICS 270 Introduction to Intercultural Studies (half course)
ICS 271 Intermediate Intercultural Studies (Half course)
ICS 275 Introduction to International Studies (Full course)
or
BUS 271 Introduction to Global Business (Full course)
ICS 280/380 Intercultural Experiential (Full course)
ICS 370 Intercultural Capstone (Half course)

Core Conceptual Courses (3.0 credits)
To develop a conceptual base for intercultural understanding, students must take at least three courses from among the  following:
BUS 350 Cultural Diversity in Organizations
COM 315 Intercultural Communication
ENG 230 Readings in Race, Class and Gender
ICS 390 Special Topics in Intercultural Studies
ICS 492 Independent Study (Full or half course)
PSY 325/425 Psychology and Culture
SOC 212 Cultural Anthropology
SOC 304 Majority-Minority Relations

Focus Elective Courses (3.0 credits)
Working with the ICS Program director or an ICS advisor, students select three focus elective courses from various options  to complete their specific cultural or thematic focus work.

These options include:

• Regular and adapted Elmhurst College courses (e.g., foreign language courses);
• Special January Term courses;
• Portfolio documentation of workshops, training sessions, lectures, retreats, etc., undertaken with an intercultural studies program focus.

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