Multiculturalism

Whereas throughout history states have undertaken efforts to protect minorities, it has been the Western liberal tradition to demand that equality be bequeathed to all individual citizens, no matter the religious, social, ethnic, or other groups these were affiliated to. In other words, in multicultural political units, all are supposed to be treated in an equal manner. At the same time, the Western liberal tradition has tended to focus on the state, often identified with a single national culture, as the preferred politico-cultural unity. Moreover, since the Second World War, Western liberals have increasingly become weary of bestowing particular rights on groups rather than individuals.

Western liberalism is a political ideology that is influential far beyond European and North American borders. This course explores these emphases and preferences of modern Western liberalism, their varieties and political expressions, and the ways in which they affect ethnic and national minorities.

The student shall by the end of the course have gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• has thorough knowledge of the most important elements of the development of the Western liberal tradition in regard to multiculturalism over the last two centuries
• can analyze the main debates within the Western liberal tradition about the extent in which national or ethnic minorities need support and protection as groups

Skills:

The student

• can engage in critical discussion and peer review
• can cooperate with peers on a joint presentation demonstrating a critical understanding of the main issues surrounding multiculturalism
• can use the relevant theories about multiculturalism to do an independent study

General competence:

The student

• can analyze the various research and ethical problems surrounding religious minorities in relation to different liberal notions of minority rights in modern Western states
• can communicate critically about the position of national and ethnic minorities in modern Western democracies in an independent research essay, using the academic terminology of the research field
• can make balanced and informed judgments about particular circumstances of conflict related to minorities in a multicultural state