73164 - Political Theories of Multiculturalism (Seminar)

Learning outcomes

Provide students the tools to understand theoretical and practical matters discussed by political theories about multiculturalism, multicultural society and the crisis of Western democracy.

Course contents

The seminar will be based on the analysis of multiculturalism matter. During the lessons, the hypothesis of multiculturalism as an important point of view will be investigated: using that point of view we will deep analyse the concept of sovereignty and the political concept related to it (freedom, equality, representation, political subject, constitution, nation, etc.).

Multiculturalism will be considered as a specification of much more wider matters, or as the contemporary name given to the raise of conflicts in a political space which seems to be a new one (the so called globalization one) and in which the difference between inside and outside as well as the difference between ourselves and others can be no more easily defined and then arranged. For that, we'll discuss the most important political concepts of multiculturalism' theories and we'll analyze the different meanings of the word "multiculturalism" between Europe and America.

Then, the seminar will match some issues of multicultural political theory with some recent discussions about individual and collective rights, tolerance, race and racism, identity and difference, culture and cultures.

Readings/Bibliography

See the list in the Italian version.

Teaching methods

20 two hours classes (twice a week for 10 weeks).

Assessment methods

Grades are based on:

- 50%, class participation

- 50%, knowledge in political theories of multiculturalism and skill in dealing and discussing some issues about multiculturalism during class-hours.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Laura Lanzillo