Communication Division

Intercultural Communication

Although the information below is excerpted from the Seaver catalogue, this is not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/

Intercultural Communication Major

Globalization is a fact of today’s world, and world citizens who know how to communicate across cultures are destined to change the world as successful diplomats, teachers, business people, consultants, sustainability and ethics officers, and aid workers.  Intercultural experiences take place in our neighborhood as well as around the world.

At Pepperdine, we’re dedicated to helping students learn to understand, empathize and communicate sensitively with people whose cultural backgrounds are just as valuable and exciting as our own.

Mission Statement

The intercultural communication major explores the interrelationship of culture, language and thought. The program develops students’ empathy for diverse cultures and provides the skills they need to become competent intercultural communicators. Therefore, the major provides students with deeper insights into a core university objective of increasing student sensitivity to multicultural and international issues and challenges and thus students are better prepared for lives of purpose, service and leadership.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete a major in Intercultural Communication can:

1. Understand the definitions, philosophies and relevant research that contribute to the definition of “Culture” (and co-cultures) and the ways culture is shaped by the relevant institutions of a society.

2. Comprehend the interrelationship of culture, language and thought and the various dimensions of cultural similarities and dissimilarities (e.g., individualism vs. collectivism, etc.).

3. Analyze complex interactions between people of different cultures and design plans that facilitate the constructive transfer of meaning, thus helping diffuse conflict and misunderstanding.

4. Construct ethical messages that are appropriate for targeted audiences.

 

Intercultural Communication Requirements