An Intercultural Curriculum in a Leadership in Community Engagement Program: Linking Theory and Practice

Abstract

Student diversity in Canadian universities is rapidly increasing, and faculty and curriculum developers are challenged to transform programs and pedagogies to meet the learning needs of diverse students. While universities across Canada are actively attending to the need for interculturality and diversity in undergraduate education, this same need exists in continuing education units that serve diverse populations of adult learners. This paper explores the intercultural curricular experience in the context of adult education in two ways: (i) literature that reviews key terms and concepts related to culture, interculturality, and learning, and (ii) examples of intercultural learning based on a certificate program called Leadership in Community Engagement offered by the Centre for Continuing Education at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Recommendations for those working in adult and continuing education who strive for respectful and meaningful intercultural learning are also offered.