Intercultural Communication Institute

This workshop presents both traditional and innovative training methods that are useful for developing intercultural competence.

Designed for
Intercultural trainers and educators who are already knowledgeable about intercultural concepts and who want to learn more about creating and using training methods effectively. Participants should be involved in intercultural teaching or training and interested in exploring the use of methods to translate theory into practice.

Examine the use and design of a variety of traditional methods such as role play, critical incidents, and simulation
Explore the development of nontraditional methods such as the use of storytelling, clay, and human sculpting
Create original methods to respond to the unique needs of audiences specified by participants
Understand the strengths and limitations of using different strategies in a variety of learning environments
Examine the role of the teacher/facilitator in the intercultural learning process

Learning Activities
This structured learning experience will include:

Brief lectures and discussions on the application and design of specific training methods
Experiential activities that demonstrate various methods
Small group work with workshop colleagues on the design and facilitation of methods
Opportunities to develop professional/personal relationships with other participants through a variety of learning approaches

Faculty: Kathryn Sorrells

Dr. Kathryn Sorrells is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in intercultural communication, intercultural training, cultural studies, and feminist theory. Kathryn has also designed and taught classes on communication and globalization, as well as global peace and justice. She has been instrumental in developing the Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, a center dedicated to teaching, research, and community action at California State University, Northridge. Kathryn has facilitated change processes for individuals, groups, and institutions in the areas of diversity, gender, and intercultural conflict. She is also a potter and artist, and she brings her creative interests into the classroom and scholarly work. Kathryn founded and directs the Communicating Common Ground Project, an innovative community action research project that develops creative alternatives to intercultural and interethnic conflict. She is the author of Globalizing Intercultural Communication and has published a variety of articles related to intercultural communication, gender, and social justice.