Communication and Intercultural Understanding (TOL250)
In their everyday practice, Norwegian Customs employees meet different types of people, from different organisations, countries and cultures. This course focuses on theoretical and practical approaches to communication, as well as how customs officials can strengthen their expertise in meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. The course contains perspectives from various academic traditions such as social anthropology, human geography and intercultural communication studies. The course places particular focus on skills training and practical application of theory in order to help customs officials meet demanding situations in a constructive and professional manner.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
TOL250
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
The course will give an introduction to the different ways of understanding and analysing the relationship between individuals and society. The choices and actions of different groups and individuals will be of particular importance. It will also deal with recent characteristics in society such as increased globalisation, mobility and migration across national borders. Both actor perspectives and structural perspectives on these social phenomena will be thematised and exemplified with relevant cases. Moreover, the course will address the fields of communication and intercultural communication. Key themes will be the notion of verbal and non-verbal communication, the concept of culture, conflict management, stereotypes, prejudice, power, professional ethics from a multicultural perspective and intercultural competence.
The course is also based on the notion that all people have multiple identities and that increased intercultural competence is not only useful when working with minority background individuals, but is relevant to all individuals that Norwegian Customs employees meet within the framework of their work.
Learning outcome
After successfully completing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:
After successfully completing the course, students will have knowledge about:
- Key concepts and theories related to globalisation, migration and culture
- The importance diversity has regarding the interaction that takes place in customs work
- Different communication theories and techniques.
After successfully completing the course, students will have skills in:
- Applying different theories and perspectives related to globalisation, migration, culture and diversity in the analysis of customs issues
- Reflecting on one’s own attitudes and professional understanding of roles from a power perspective
- Communicating appropriately with people from different backgrounds, including in conflict situations.
After successfully completing the course, students will have general competence in:
- Relevant issues related to social science and professional ethics
- Points of views and experiences related to culture and diversity with others who have a background in customs, and through this contribute to the development of good practice
- Intercultural issues in meetings between people from different organisations, countries and cultures.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home exam | 1/1 | 3 Days | Letter grades | All 1) |
1) Collaboration is not permitted.
The home exam is an individual assessment.
Coursework requirements
Coursework consists of the following:
• Participation in group work with a post on a discussion forum on Canvas
• Multiple choice tests
The group work consists of working on topics introduced by the lecturer. The topics will be directly related to the customs field. Students must respond in light of relevant theory and other knowledge they have acquired within the framework of the course and acquired practical experience.
Compulsory activities must be approved in order to take the exam.