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There are 5 modules in this course
Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution is a growing area of importance considering the pace and volume of global transactions. The ease of global communication using technology, the abundance of cheaper transportation costs, and the frequency of businesses using cross-border talent is fostering millions of interactions a day between people of different cultures. Examine how the process of communication can be further complicated during interactions between people of different cultures. The topics of stereotypes, generalizations, communication styles, communication strategies, and communication orientations will be explored.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Explain the dimensions of intercultural interactions that add to conflict
2. Analyze the dynamics of intercultural interactions
3. Plan strategies for success in intercultural interactions
Get started with the course! Begin by reading the Course Overview and completing the Course Survey.
What's included
1 video2 readings
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 4 minutes
Welcome Video•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Course Overview•10 minutes
About our Guest Speakers•10 minutes
Dimensions of Intercultural Interactions and Conflict
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module we will begin by examining the importance of understanding cultural differences. We will then define culture and distinguish between inter- and intra- cultural interactions.
What's included
6 videos
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 49 minutes
Dimensions of Intercultural Interactions and Conflict - Lesson 1•14 minutes
Dimensions of Intercultural Interactions and Conflict - Lesson 2•11 minutes
Case Study - Outsourcing Team Conflict•8 minutes
Case Study - Cultural Customs•5 minutes
Case Study - Cultural Communication in Leadership•4 minutes
Interview with Julie Espy•7 minutes
Analyze the Dynamics of Intercultural Interactions
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we will begin by analyzing the dynamics of intercultural interactions. We will then identify frameworks and barriers present in intercultural interactions.
What's included
6 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 41 minutes
Analyze the Dynamics of Intercultural Interactions - Lesson 1•10 minutes
Analyze the Dynamics of Intercultural Interactions - Lesson 2•7 minutes
Case Study - Paper Company Concerns•9 minutes
Case Study - Executive Advice•3 minutes
Case Study - Charity Donation•4 minutes
Interview with Konrad Reid•8 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Dealing with Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution in our lives•120 minutes
Strategies for Success in Intercultural Interactions
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module we will begin by planning strategies for success in intercultural interactions. We will then implement a mindset of success and strategies during the process of interaction.
What's included
7 videos1 peer review
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 63 minutes
Strategies for Success in Intercultural Interactions - Lesson 1•9 minutes
Strategies for Success in Intercultural Interactions - Lesson 2•23 minutes
Case Study - Team Meeting•7 minutes
Case Study - Team Concerns•4 minutes
Case Study - Productivity Issues•4 minutes
Interview with Patrick Gough•12 minutes
Interview with Brent Rasmussen•5 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Develop a Case Study involving Intercultural Communication and Conflict Resolution•120 minutes
Course Wrap-up
Module 5•12 minutes to complete
Module details
Congratulations! You've made it to the end of the course. Please watch the end of course video, read the message from UCI Extension, and complete the post-course survey.
What's included
1 video1 reading
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
End of Course Video•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Message from UCI Extension•10 minutes
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What will I actually learn in this intercultural communication course?
You'll learn how cultural differences shape communication, why misunderstandings turn into conflict, and how to handle intercultural interactions more effectively. The course moves from core ideas about culture and interaction into barriers like stereotypes and perception, then into strategies for navigating team, leadership, and business situations. You'll apply that through case studies on meetings, workplace misunderstandings, and cross-cultural decision-making.
Do I need any background before starting this course?
No, no specific background is mentioned for this course. It introduces core ideas such as culture, intercultural versus intracultural interactions, and communication barriers before asking you to analyze more complex situations. If you've worked or studied in team settings, the examples may feel especially familiar, but prior training in conflict management isn't necessary.
Is this course beginner-friendly for intercultural communication?
Yes, it's a good fit if you're new to intercultural communication and want an accessible introduction. The course explains key ideas first, then uses case studies and interviews to show how those ideas play out in workplaces and teams. It may suit you less if you're looking for a research-heavy or highly specialized treatment of the field.
How long does it take to complete this course?
Plan on about 7 hours in total. It's short enough to finish in a few focused sessions, with time spread across lesson videos, readings, and case-based examples. The course also includes interviews and peer-reviewed assignments, so the workload isn't only video-based.
Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?
Yes, but the hands-on work is case-based rather than lab-based. You'll work through examples of intercultural conflict in business, leadership, and team settings, then complete peer-reviewed assignments where you analyze a conflict from your own experience or develop a case study with barriers and possible resolutions. That format helps you apply each concept to real interactions instead of only reading about it.
What skills and topics are covered in this course?
You'll study how culture shapes communication, conflict, and decision-making in diverse teams and organizations. Topics include communication styles, stereotypes and generalizations, perception, nonverbal cues, and frameworks like Hofstede's cultural dimensions for interpreting power distance or individualism. Together, these help you analyze intercultural situations and choose more effective ways to respond.
What can I actually do after finishing this course?
You should be able to break down an intercultural interaction, explain where tension is coming from, and plan a better way forward. That includes analyzing differences in communication style, context, or hierarchy in situations like team meetings, leadership challenges, or cross-border business conversations. You should also be ready to write or discuss a grounded case analysis with strategies for prevention or resolution.
Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?
It's more concept-first with guided application. Most of the course teaches you how to interpret intercultural situations through lessons, case examples, and interviews, with peer-reviewed assignments used to practice analysis and strategy. It's a better fit if you want usable frameworks more than a project-heavy experience.
Why would I choose this course over other intercultural communication courses?
This course is a strong choice if you want intercultural communication taught through conflict resolution, not just general cultural awareness. It combines clear frameworks with workplace-style case studies, guest interviews, and short writing-based assignments, so you're constantly connecting ideas to real meetings, leadership issues, and team decisions. If you want a concise course that helps you think through misunderstandings and respond more effectively across cultures, this one fits well.