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
- 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.
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 370 Intercultural Capstone (Half course)
ICS 380 Intercultural Experiential (Full 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 elective courses from the available focus options to complete their specific cultural or thematic focus work. These options include: