Minor in Intercultural Studies

In consultation with the ICS chair or an ICS advisor, students choose an area of study for their ICS minor.

Students are expected to develop an understanding of one cultural group or to explore a thematic interest in depth. Examples of ICS areas of study include: ethnic studies, global studies, gender studies and social justice studies.

The minor requires five credits. Students take two core courses, two focus electives and two .50 credit intercultural courses. At least half must be taken at Elmhurst University. Some focus areas, especially international, may need additional foreign language competency.

Objectives

Students earning a minor in intercultural studies should:

  • Develop cultural group knowledge and understanding
  • Use intercultural models to analyze similarities and differences between cultures (ethnic, racial, gender, social class and other minority and national identities) and their interactions
  • Develop an ability to analyze power, social hierarchy and social inequality effects in interactions involving individuals, groups, organizations and nations
  • Develop a problem-solving focus as it relates to the ability to effectively communicate with and relate to others from various cultural or national backgrounds

Requirements for the Minor

The minor requires five credits.

To develop an understanding of cultural and thematic issues as guided by program objectives, students take two .50 credit intercultural studies courses, as follows:

  • ICS 270 Introduction to Intercultural Studies (.50 credit)
  • ICS 271 Intermediate Intercultural Studies (.50 credit)

Core Conceptual Courses

To develop a conceptual base for intercultural understanding, students must take two courses from among the following:

  • BUS 350 Cultural Diversity in Organizations
  • COM 315 Intercultural Communication
  • ENG 372 Multicultural/Postcolonial Literature
  • ICS 275 Introduction to International Studies
  • ICS 375 Critical Issues in Women’s Studies
  • ICS 385 LGBTQ Identity: Individual and Communal Journeys
  • PSY 325 Psychology and Culture
  • SOC 212 Sociology of Culture
  • SOC 304 Race and Ethnic Relations

Students must earn a C or better in the required courses and core conceptual courses to count toward an ICS minor.

Focus Elective Courses

Working with the ICS chair or an ICS advisor, students select two focus elective courses from various options to complete their specific cultural or thematic focus work. These options include:

  • Regular and adapted Elmhurst University courses
  • Special January Term courses
  • Portfolio documentation of workshops, training sessions, lectures, retreats, etc., undertaken with an intercultural studies program focus
  • Independent study, research or field experience
  • Study abroad, internship, off-campus study or service learning

Areas of Study

Working with the department chair, students select one or two elective courses from the various areas of study to complete their specific coursework. These include:

  • Regular and adapted Elmhurst University courses
  • Special January Term courses
  • Portfolio documentation of workshops, training sessions, lectures, retreats, etc., undertaken with an intercultural studies program focus
  • Independent study, research or field experience
  • Study abroad, internship, off-campus study or service learning

At least half the ICS coursework must be taken at Elmhurst University. Some areas of study, especially international, may require additional foreign language competency. A maximum of two courses may count also toward other majors or minors.

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