Unit information: The Theory and Politics of Multiculturalism in 2021/22

Unit name	The Theory and Politics of Multiculturalism
Unit code	SOCIM3026
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Umut Parmaksiz
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

Multiculturalism is a buzz word in policy debates and popular discussions of ethnicity, and there is intense debate over whether political multiculturalism should be promoted or not. This unit will explore why multicultural policy has become important, what kinds of minorities or social formations need to be accommodated and what kinds of policy contexts are important for multiculturalism in different countries. The course will examine sociological evidence for cultural diversity, its linkages with inter-generational socio-economic disadvantage and the normative and pragmatic arguments for and against multiculturalism. Developments in a number of different countries will be examined and the policy areas studied will include education and employment and will be placed in context of current debates about national identity, globalisation and the 'clash of civilisations'. The course will give special attention to the challenge of accommodating Muslims in western Europe and will conclude with a discussion of the current discourse of 'multiculturalism is dead'.

Aims:

• To examine the theoretical and political basis for emergent multicultural policies and redefinitions of existing national identities in multicultural terms

• To examine the character of the different concepts and models of multiculturalism that are prevalent and the specific policies that are being promoted in a number of policy areas

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Have an appreciation of the arguments for and against political multicultura lism and why political multiculturalism is becoming significant in a number of countries

• Have an appreciation of what multiculturalism means in specific policy terms in a number of policy areas in different countries

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities

Assessment Information

The assessment will relate directly to one of more of the learning outcomes specified above in 15 and will be an extended essay of 4000 words (or equivalent) showing an in-depth understanding and integration of key aspects of the unit.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCIM3026).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.