The purpose of this course is to develop the abilities of educational practitioners to help fashion intercultural societies of the 21st Century. The course commences with study of theoretical insights into the phenomenon of human cultures, including their roles, functions and characteristics. Participants will explore historical trends including cultural diffusions and transmissions, conflicts, exploitations and resistances. The course will examine impacts of cultural interaction and deepen understandings of key concepts such as cultural boundaries and their dynamics. Central to the course is the function of education in cultures. In particular the course is centred on the significance of intercultural education as a key variable in transforming global communities experiencing cultural stress towards sustainable and peaceful futures.
Participants in the course will develop a deeper understanding of the values, principles, policies and practices of intercultural education. Capacities in intercultural communication and dialogue are accorded high importance in creating education systems leading the way to intercultural civil societies. Thus, the course places importance on interaction and engagement of participants with their online classmates and professorial leader in a weekly online forum, as well as participate in an individual discussion of the Abstract of their major Assignment with the course professor.
The course will identify strategies in teaching, leadership, policy-formation, management and practical engagements for intercultural educators. Its goal is to empower the professional capacities of participants who recognise that positive intercultural dynamics in education are pathways to achieving peaceful and sustainable societies.
- Professor: John Synott