This module focuses on intercultural openness in the context of world language instruction. The AAC&U Intercultural Knowledge and Competence VALUE Rubric defines openness as a willingness to “interact and develop relationships with culturally different others,” and the ability to “suspend judgment in valuing” such interactions. By intentionally including intercultural openness as a language learning outcome, educators will help learners to engage more meaningfully with the target language and culture and to communicate more effectively and appropriately across cultural differences.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the concept of intercultural openness and articulate its importance in the context of language learning
• Experience intercultural activities on openness and reflect on them
• Design, debrief, and assess experiential intercultural learning activities focused on openness
• Use backward design to embed an intercultural activity in your language curriculum
• Identify the Intercultural Learning Hub as a resource for intercultural learning activities