42780 - Pedagogy of Interculturalism

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will:

• know the main connections between migration and learning processes, especially when second-generation young people are involved;
• understand multicultural family models, with particular attention to international adoption;
• be familiar with the developmental processes of children and adolescents of foreign origin (or internationally adopted);
• be aware of the contemporary debate on multiculturalism and interculturalism.

• be acquainted with tools and strategies for planning and evaluating training courses on intercultural education in out-of-school contexts;
• understand the processes of categorisation underlying the formation of stereotypes and prejudices and be sensitive to the goal of overcoming ethnic conflicts;
• know the historical, social, and cultural factors that give rise to racist attitudes and behaviours.

Course contents

The first part of the course will explore the main concepts and knowledge related to multicultural societies. It aims to promote understanding and reflection on possible new approaches for fostering active citizenship. The topics covered in the course include:

• globalisation;
• multicultural societies and the intercultural approach;
• stereotypes, prejudices, and educational responses;
• racism and xenophobia;
• diversity, differences, and the valorisation of differences;
• assimilation, segregation, and integration;
• intercultural education: design and evaluation of out-of-school learning pathways;
• conflict management.

These topics will be explained and discussed through lectures, after which students are expected to deepen their understanding of topics they are particularly interested in. This will be done through group work aimed at producing a multimedia presentation to be discussed and defended in plenary with the teacher and fellow students. This presentation constitutes part of the final assessment.

The second part of the course is tailored to the specific topics of this degree programme and deals with a pedagogical analysis of migration in literature, focusing on the German and Italian contexts.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Cuconato, M. (2017). Pedagogia e letteratura della migrazione. Sguardi sulla scrittura che cura e resiste. Carocci, Rome.
2. Bolognese, I., Lorenzini, S. (2017). Pedagogia interculturale. Pregiudizi, razzismi, impegno educativo. Bononia University Press, Bologna.

Students who cannot attend lessons are required to study the following two books:

1. Ilardo, M. (2021). Dove costruiamo pensiero? Hannah Arendt e la cura degli ambienti educativi. Milan: Franco Angeli.
2. Salinaro, M. (2021). Temporanei permanenti. Migranti e operatori dell’accoglienza: paradossi politici e traiettorie pedagogiche. Foggia: Edizioni del Rosone (available on the publisher’s website with a 15% discount).

Teaching methods

Lectures, group discussions, workshops, and seminars.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a written test to be completed in 90 minutes.

The exam aims to assess students' achievement of the following objectives:

• to uncover and analyse the meaning and role of the intercultural approach in contemporary multicultural societies;
• to evaluate the interrelation of intercultural pedagogy with other educational sciences;
• to identify key conceptual theories in scientific investigations on multiculturalism;
• to address emerging issues related to sports education in multicultural environments;
• to understand the main challenges concerning the social and work integration of migrant youth;
• to be familiar with the principal models governing migrants’ access and residence in European countries.

The test is designed to assess knowledge of the course content, as well as students' synthesis and analytical skills. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths. Honours (cum laude) will be awarded to students whose answers are entirely correct and demonstrate particularly effective writing, depth of analysis, and original reflective-argumentative skills.

Teaching tools

Power point and films chosen both by the teacher and students, literary pieces, and newspaper articles on the topic of migration and social integration in multicultural societies

Office hours

See the website of Morena Cuconato