Controversies over Multiculturalism (EMM225)

Almost all modern states face dimensions of multiculturality, even if they are far from endorsing multiculturalism as a policy agenda or official ideology. They have to deal with conflicting claims of groups of people with identities and identity-conferring practices that are different from those of the dominating majorities. Students will do a systematic review of controversies over multiculturalism and then concentrate on some key points. Attention will also be turned to the critics of multiculturalism from three different perspectives: western mainstream feminism, conservativism and traditionalism, and liberal orthodoxy.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

EMM225

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

6

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The module is divided into three thematic areas, each focusing on specific concepts and themes related to multiculturalism and multicultural dynamics:

I. Multiculturalism in the light of theory, policy/politics and practice

Students will familiarise themselves with the basic theoretical categories needed for an in-depth understanding of multiculturalism: state, citizenship, patriotism, society, culture, ethnic/national identity, stigma, prejudice, tolerance, diversity. Policies and practices of multiculturalism will be systemised and critically evaluated.

II. Multiculturalism – welfare state – solidarity

Multiculturalism will be considered in the context of welfare states. The concepts of recognition and redistribution in contemporary welfare regimes will be problematised and their relationship will be discussed in the light of the principle of solidarity.

III. Education for multicultural dialogue

Guidelines and tools for the promotion of intercultural dialogue will be analysed using selected policy documents.

Lectures and workshops will be organised to provide in-depth insights into the above themes. On successful completion of the module the student will be able to critically evaluate theories and policies on multiculturalism with regard to the conceptual, methodological and theoretical issues and confidently take part in discussions on current pressing issues relating to multiculturalism.

Learning outcome

Students will have acquired:

  • In-depth knowledge about theories on migration (a) and intercultural relations/multiculturalism (b) and the ability to contextualize them in related fields
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity for power relations as reflected in culturalism, racism or nationalism,
  • solid knowledge on concepts of multiculturalism, and develop a critical theoretical apparatus while dealing with various critiques and defences of it
  • knowledge of crucial and urgent problems of the contemporary world - growing cultural complexity and new expectations of social justice in relation to this phenomenon
  • an understanding of identity formation

The class will in addition cover EMMIR learning outcomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 14 together with the other modules.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Final paper 1/1 Letter grades

Students are required to attend and actively participate at all scheduled classes, workshops and reading groups (see Schedule for activities, section V). Class attendance (at least 75%) is a prerequisite to pass the module. Students are required to inform the lecturers about their absence prior to the start of each class.Final paper draft (500 words) is to be submitted and presented during the second week of lectures and workshops. Draft should include the research question, basic structure and tentative bibliography (minimum 5 references).Final paper (4000 words) is the final exam and should address the themes discussed during the module. Students are encouraged to choose the topic for their final paper according to their final thesis research interest, but should make sure that the paper also demonstrates understanding of the obligatory readings.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Marina Lukšič Hacin

Study Adviser:

Kjetil Endresen

Method of work

Workload: 180 hours

Contact hours: 38 hours

Reading: 45 hours

Assignments 97 hours

Open for

European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations

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

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