| 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 | Professor. Modood |
| 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 |
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'.
