Determinants of intercultural education

Abstract

Methodology: The authors used the cluster of methods: the diagnostics of cultural identity and a foreign cultural-reflexive position in communication with representatives of other cultures, the analysis of activity-related products, rapid assessment questionnaire "Tolerance index", questionnaire. The study comprised 135 students of the South Ural State Humanitarian-Pedagogical University (Chelyabinsk, Russia). Main Findings: The authors have determined typical features and target-oriented aspects of intercultural education and presented them in the form of a matrix. The authors have also developed and tested the course "Basics of intercultural communication", considered the formation of the cultural self-identity and foreign culture-reflexive position of students, as well as their tolerance index and types of ethnic identity. Applications of this study: The study results can be used in teaching courses concerned with problems of intercultural communication to students of foreign language faculties, international faculties, and other humanities faculties. The research materials are of scientific significance for undergraduate and graduate students working on their dissertations. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study novelty is as follows.: At the theoretical level, it determines the typical features and determinants of intercultural education. At the practical level, it introduces and tests the course "Fundamentals of intercultural communication". It analyzes the formation of the cultural self-identity and foreign cultural-reflexive position of students, as well as their tolerance index and types of ethnic identity.