Cross Cultural Competency

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Develops skills vital for effective engagement in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Fosters personal awareness of biases, attitudes, values, beliefs and ways of knowing (epistemology). Explores the profound impact of culture on the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Trains students to critically appraise how their worldview and life experiences shape the decisions they make. Synthesizes core concepts like culture, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, stereotypes, worldview and holism, applying them to the student's chosen discipline or subject of interest. Promotes enhanced self-knowledge and cross-cultural awareness through active, reflexive inquiry. Encourages challenging one's own thinking, especially when subject matter elicits an emotional reaction, to ensure critical engagement with evidence. This course may incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues relevant to anthropology. Course content may include complex or sensitive topics and is designed to foster respectful, evidence-based discussion and critical engagement with multiple perspectives, skills essential for navigating a diverse and changing world. TOPICS AND THEMES. Analyzes fundamental concepts in anthropology, including culture, diversity, race and ethnicity. Consideration of holism and reductionism in understanding systems and thought processes. Explores personal learning styles, personality strengths and systems of knowledge (epistemology). Examines communication dynamics, ethnocentrism, stereotypes, myths, fallacies and assumptions. Discusses ethical frameworks, including critical cultural relativism. Studies critical thinking skills applicable across varied professional, cultural and scientific contexts.