Sociology, 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 sociology, 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 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

TOL250

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The course will initially give an introduction to the concept of society and sociological ways of thinking. Specific focus will be placed on 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. Part two of the course deals 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. This part of the course will also address the structural frameworks that shape flows and categories of migrants. Part three of the course focuses on the field of intercultural communication. Key themes will be the concept of culture, the concept of diversity, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict management, the use of interpreters, 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, culture and diversity
  • The importance that age, gender, sexuality, class and ethnicity have 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, minority and majority 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

None

Recommended prerequisites

TOL130 Customs in an Organizational and Societal Perspective

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

Group work (Case)

Coursework consists of an organised piece of group work. The group work consists of working on a case that is formulated by the lecturer. The case will be directly related to the customs field. Students must explain and discuss how they would solve the case in light of relevant theory and other knowledge they have acquired within the framework of the course and acquired practical experience. Group work is to be presented to the rest of the class.

Compulsory activities must be approved in order to take the exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Paulo Thiago Bastos Rocha

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method of work

The organised teaching consists of lectures and plenary discussions in combination with practical skills training (e.g. via role play) and group work. In addition, students are required to work independently on the subject. In order to achieve the expected learning outcomes, students must participate actively in the organised teaching, work on group assignments and read the course literature thoroughly.

Open for

Customs and Border Management - Bachelor's Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto