Module Code - Title:

PO4108 - MULTICULTURALISM AND POLITICAL THEORY

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module takes up some contemporary themes in political theory, examining the concepts of justice, freedom, equality, democracy, pluralism and respect in light of the demands for greater recognition and accommodation that have been put forward by ethnic, racial, religious, and linguistic minorities. The aim of this module is to explore the formidable problems raised by the challenge of cultural diversity from the perspective of normative political theory, and in particular to evaluate the a range of alternative justifications for multicultural political policies. By the end of the module, students should be aware of the various rights claims, policy proposals and political alternatives that have been suggested by and on behalf of minority cultural communities; have a sense of the challenges these pose to established liberal theories and to liberal-democratic practices; be able to critically evaluate the various justifications offered; understand a range of arguments for and agai

Syllabus:

Multiculturalism and Political Theory; Pluralism; Citizenship; Toleration; The Politics of Recognition; Liberal Culturalism; Cosmopolitan Criticisms; Feminist Objections; Democracy and Minority Representation; Education and Cultural Diversity; Headscarves; Universalism, Ethnocentralism and Relativism

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Describe the different rights claims and policy proposals that have been suggested by and on behalf of minority cultural communities. Analyse a range of important political concepts (including freedom, equality, justice, respect, recognition, toleration, and identity). Compare a range of arguments for and against multiculturalism. Evaluate normative arguments concerning justice, citizenship, democracy, equality and community. Apply the methods of normative reasoning and conceptual analysis to contemporary political controversies concerning culture and identity. Present logical arguments about abstract ideas in both verbal and written forms.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Demonstrate an appreciation of the strengths and weakness of different political theories

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Lectures and seminars

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Kymlicka, W. (ed.) (1995) The Rights of Minority Cultures , Oxford University Press

Kymlicka, W. (1995) Multicultural Citizenship , Oxford University Press

Laden and Owen (eds.) (2007) Multiculturalism and Political Theory , Cambridge University Press

Joppke and Lukes (eds.) (1999) Multicultural Questions , Oxford University Press