December 12, 2013
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA
DEPARTMENT OF EUROPEAN STUDIES
Academic Year 2013-2014- Fall Semester
ES/AMS 327 – Multicultural Societies: Religious and Social Conflicts
Course ID: 3082
Course Schedule: Tuesday 12.45-14.00 (R225) & Thursday 9.25-10.40 (R311)
Instructor: Görkem Atsungur,
Office: #214 – European Studies Department
Office Hours: Tuesday 14:00-17:00
E-mail: atsungur_g@auca.kg
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
* Required European Studies Departmental Course for Junior
Number of Credits: 3cr.
Course Description:
“United in Diversity” is the official motto of the European Union. This motto implies that European can achieve to unite peacefully under the many different cultures, languages, traditions, norms, values, etc. On the other hand many European politicians start to talk about failures of multiculturalism in the European continent. Harper Collins Dictionary of Sociology (1991) defines “multiculturalism” as “…the acknowledgment and promotion of cultural pluralism. It seeks to promote cultural variety and also it focuses on unequal relationship of minority to mainstreams cultures.” French Sociologist Andrea Semprini defines multiculturalism as “…analytic framework for very different kinds of policy issues ranging from immigrant incorporation to autonomist claims of national minorities, gender equality claims etc. It also refers to a theoretical position of a higher order concerning the notion of self, the individual and modernity.” As a result of these, multiculturalism is the policy or process whereby the distinctive identities of the cultural groups within such a society are maintained or supported.
The term of “Multiculturalism” entered public discourses in the late 1960s and 1940s when both Canada and Australia declared to support the concept. The question of multiculturalism in Europe has been central to the political concerns of European countries since the end of the Second World War. Especially since at the end of 1970s some European governments such as Sweden adopted this term in order to deal with immigrant workers.
This course will explore the themes of multiculturalism, cultural diversity, interculturalism, assimilation, integration, the politics of difference, the politics of recognition, social/community cohesion, cultural identities, ethnic, religious and social inequalities, discrimination, migration, and minorities.
Course Objective:
The objective of the course is to present theoretical and practical framework of multicultural societies and religious & social conflicts. The course will also analyse major political and legal instruments in the European Union while using comparative studies covering other parts of the world, mainly the USA and Canada. It will be examined both at the national level in Europe and at the EU level. As a result of these, this course is divided in three basic sections focusing on different perspectives of multiculturalism. Firstly, it begins with the theoretical framework which attempts to conceptualize multiculturalism. Second part of the course is devoted to the methodological approaches such as migration trends, religious confrontation in Europe (Muslims and Jewish), social conflicts and roma community. And finally country case studies will be examined.
At the end of semester, students will familiarize with selected literature on “Multiculturalism” and also will develop competency in the area of critically discussing literary texts from a perspective on multiculturalism, through seminar discussion groups, discussing-leading and more. Students will develop a more diverse understanding of the cultural diversity in the world.
II. COURSE RULES & POLICIES
A. Teaching Methods:
The course objectives will be achieved through combination of lectures and seminars. Generally, the first meeting of the class (Tuesday classes) will be devoted presentation by the lecturer. In the second meeting in a week, there will be mainly students activities as Seminars (Thursday classes), Students will make their short presentations and they will actively part of discussions and read their weekly assignments/homework. Instructor would also use some audio-visual materials for course chapters. All PowerPoint slides and readings are available in the e-course system.
B. Reading Materials:
Instructor prepares required materials for students. Necessary course materials, including the course Syllabus, can be found on the e-course website:
https://e-course.auca.kg/course/view.php?id=1073
The password for the e-course is esfall2013
Students must check e-course materials so often – at least twice in a week.
Each student has to read required readings which are indicated for each section before the class and students should come ready to present, argue and discuss them. All reading materials, including term paper are the main responsibility of the student in order to pass this course.
C. Special Needs:
Students with special needs may require special arrangements relating to attending class sessions, carrying out writing term project or taking examinations. They are strongly encouraged to inform the Instructor during the first week of classes.
D. Classroom Rules of Conduct:
Please respect university discipline rules and turn off cell phones and pagers during class. Students should keep quiet and not be late for the class. You cannot use social networks Facebook, VK, and Twitter etc. during the class. If the professor will realize these kind of students, he has right to ask these students to leave the classroom. Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom. During the exams, the use of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or any other electronic devices is strictly prohibited. Unmoral/Rude behaviours to other students, staffs and/or the instructor will not be tolerated.
E. Academic Honesty and Discipline:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at AUCA. All assignments, quizzes, and exams must be done by on your own. If the student is found to engage in cheating, plagiarism, inventing false information or citations, helping someone else or any other violation of the ‘’Code of Academic Integrity’’ should expect the severest penalties available under AUCA policies.
- According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; Plagiarize means: “to steal and pass of (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own, to use (another’s production) without crediting the source, to commit literary theft and to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.” As a result of these, Plagiarism is an act of fraud.
Students found guilty of academic dishonesty will be assigned an appropriate academic penalty.
For more information, please visit: http://www.auca.kg/en/registrar_code_conduct/
If you have any concerns about how to write an academic article, feel free to consult the instructor at any time and/or during the office hours.
III. COURSE ASSESSMENT & REQUIREMENTS
The nature of the subject requires active class participation therefore the students will not be receiving credits based purely on class attendance for participation and class discussions. All students should NOT hesitate to participate when they want to expand the topic or they need further explanation, etc.
Moreover, during the semester students are required to engage in an online participation through the e-course system. As a result of this, it is highly recommended to check e-course at least twice each week.
Any student who misses more than five classes unexcused or without medical report to confirm illness, s/he will fail the course. Students must bring their medical certificate within one week. After one week, medical certificates will not be accepted. Active and meaningful participation will add 10% to the final grade. Medical certification will only help not to fail the grade. Please do not forget that the instructor will also give some points to class attendance.
Moreover, in the fall semester, there will be Stimulate game (“The EU Conflict Management in Transnistria Conflict”). All students must attend this game; otherwise they will take 0 point for participation and class discussions. Stimulate game is not extra-curriculum activity. It is part of the academic course.
B. Position Papers for Seminars – 20%
Each student must read the reading materials before the class and be ready to discuss it in the class. Please look at the class schedules for the readings and student activities. For instance, for 12.09.2013 – Student Activity is to write and discuss about “Should State Promote Multiculturalism? And how can you define Good and Bad Multiculturalism? Position Papers should not be less than 2 pages with 12 Times New Roman and 1.5 spaces. Moreover during the Seminars, students should actively take part of the class discussions and they will read what they write for student activities. The Instructor will collect their position papers and student activity reflection papers as a hard copy on every Thursday’s classes at 09:25. If student does not bring his/her position paper as a hard copy in the class, s/he will get zero for this position paper. E-mails and late submissions will not be accepted!
C. Term Paper – 30%
Each Student is required to write one term paper for this course. The aim of this paper is to help students to increase their writing ability. Students should choose one of the countries and examine the situation of the multicultural/multiethnic environments or s/he can choose any religious/social or ethnic conflictsand write a paper about it.
Suggested Countries for term paper:
- Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Austria.
Suggested Topics for term paper:
- Xenophobia, Minorities in Europe, Legal protection of the minorities, Assimilations in Europe, Cultural diversity in Europe, Far-Right or Far Left movements in Europe, Secularism and Freedom dilemma etc.
Evaluation of the paper will be based on:
Structure of the paper will be evaluated as 5%of the total paper grade (title/abstract/keywords/introduction/methods/results/discussion/acknowledgmenets/literature cited/appendices).
Format of the paper will be evaluated as 5%of the total paper grade. Paper should be between 3.000-4.500 words (6-9 Pages) in length with Times New Roman, 12 font and one-half spaces. Students are encouraged to use MLA style. MLA style formatting will be in the e-course.
Content of the paper which reflects ability of writing and thinking skills will be count as 10%.
Bibliography will be counted 5%. There should be more than 5-7 book resources at least.
Language style will be counted 5% of the final paper grade. Student should also pay attention on vocabulary and grammar style.
As a result of these, Term Paper will add 30% to the final grade.
The due date for term paper as a hard copy is indicated in the daily schedule of the course syllabus (NOT later than 14th week: 03rd December 2013 – Tuesday until 17:00). No late papers will be accepted! Moreover, students must send their term papers via e-mail to Instructor’s email (atsungur_g@auca.kg) at the same day. Otherwise, instructor will cut 5 points. Do NOT forget to the term paper is one of the most important element of the overall assessment.
D. Final Exam – 40%
Each student must take a final exam (40%) for this course. The final exam will be given after the entire course is completed. The date of the exam is 17th December 2013 Tuesday at 12:45 in R225.
In the first part, there will be two essay questions (each of them 10 points) and in the second part there will be ten short identifications.
The Final exam will be lasted 75 minutes.
Make-up examinations will NOT be administered except in the case of a medical emergency. If students try to attempt cheating during the exam, the instructor will give F grade for final grade and student will fail in that course.
Grading Policy:
The grade for the course will be comprised of the following percentages:
Participation and Class Discussions: 10%
Position Papers: 20%
Term Paper: 30%
Final Exam: 40
|
Grade |
Quality Points |
Results |
Grade Percentages |
|
A |
4.00 |
Excellent |
Above 93% |
|
A- |
3.67 |
Excellent |
89.51% - 92.49% |
|
B+ |
3.33 |
Good |
85.51% - 89.49% |
|
B |
3.0 |
Good |
82.51% - 85.49% |
|
B- |
2.67 |
Good |
79.51% - 82.49% |
|
C+ |
2.33 |
Average |
75.51% - 79.49% |
|
C |
2.0 |
Average |
72.51% - 75.49% |
|
C- |
1.67 |
Average |
69.51% - 72.49% |
|
D+ |
1.33 |
Poor |
65.51% - 69.49% |
|
D |
1.0 |
Poor |
62.51% - 65.49% |
|
D- |
0.67 |
Poor |
59.51% - 62.51% |
|
F |
0.00 |
Failed |
Less than 59.49 % |
|
AU |
|
|
Course Audit |
*Note: These grades are used for all courses of European Studies Department at AUCA.
Excellent Grades: ‘’A’’ and ‘’A-‘’. Good Grades: ‘’B+’’, ‘’B’’, and ‘’B-‘’.
Average Grades: ‘’C+’’, ‘’C’’, and ‘’C-‘’. Poor Grades: ‘’D+’’, ‘’D’’, and ‘’D-‘’.
Failed Grade: ‘’F’’.
IV. TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
Week I. Introduction
03.09.2013 – Syllabus.
05.09.2013 – Introduction to the Course: What is “Multi-culturalism”? Can we talk about multi-culturalism without “multi”?
Readings: Total 37 Pages.
- Will Kymlicka, ‘’Multiculturalism: Success, Failure, and the Future’’, Migration Policy Institute, Feb 2012.
http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/multiculturalism.pdf
A. THEORETICAL APPROACH
Week II. Theoretical Framework: Conceptualizing Multiculturalism
10.09.2013 – Conceptualizing Multiculturalism in Theory and Practice.
12.09.2013 – Student Activity: Should State Promote Multiculturalism? Good vs. Bad Multiculturalism.
Readings: Total 12 Pages
- Jenny Bourne, “In Defence of Multiculturalism”, Institute of Race Relations, Briefing Paper No.2, Pages: 2-7.
- Raihanah M.M, “Multiculturalism and the Politics of Expression: An Appraisal”, European Journal of Social Science, Volume 7’ Number 3 (2009), Pages: 63-68
Additional Readings:
- Michel Wieviorka, ‘Is Multiculturalism the Solution?’ Ethnic and Racial Studies Volume 21, Number 5, September 1998, Routledge.
Week III. Political and Legal Instruments in the European Union and in the United States
17.09.2013 – Political and Legal Instruments in the EU and in the US.
19.09.2013 – Student Activity: What should be done in order to prevent ethnic/national and religious conflicts in a society?
Readings: Total 9 Pages.
- Kate Brick, MPI (Migration Policy Institute: www.migrationpolicy.org), “Regularizations in the EU: The Contentious Policy Tool”, December 2011, Pages: 1-9.
http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/EURegularization-Insight.pdf
Week IV. Multicultural and Multi-ethnic Societies in Europe
24.09.2013 – Majority vs. Minority Protection in the Enlarged EU.
26.09.2013 – Minorities in Europe: The Lost Tribes of Europe?
Student Activity: Please read ‘’Benedict Anderson – Imagined Community’’ and make short summary and write a reflection paper on it.
*European Language Day: 26th September 2013 / Thursday
Readings: Total 33 Pages.
- Gabriel N. Toggenburg (ed.), “Minority Protection and the Enlarged European Union: The Way Forward”, Open Society Institute, 2004, Pages: 3-36 (Minority Protection in a Supranational Context: Limits and Opportunities).
B. METHOLODOGICAL APPROACH
Week V. Migration Trends in Europe
01.10.2013 – Migration in Europe.
03.10.2013 – Student Activity: Minorities in Europe – Who are they? Where do they come from? Who are today’s Immigrants? Please write a short reflection paper about these questions.
Readings: Total 50 Pages.
- Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes (ed.), ‘Developments in West European Politics’, European Immigration Policies at the Crossroads, Pages: 254-276.
- Stephen Castles and Mark J. Miller, The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World, “The Migratory Process and the Formation of Ethnic Minorities”, Chapter 2, Pages: 21-49.
Week VI. Religious Confrontation in Europe: Muslim and Jewish Communities
08.10.2013 – Muslim in Europe.
Readings: Total 13 Pages.
- Kristin Archik, Paul Belkin, Carl Ek, Christopher M. Blanchard and Derek E. Mix, “Muslims in Europe: Promoting Integration and Countering Extremism” Congressional Research Service, September 2011, Pages: 1-8 & 38-43.
Student Activity: Please watch one of them and write a short reflection paper about it.:
‘’An Islamic History of Europe’’ (2009) BBC documentary
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0IaCK-7z5o).
‘’Fitna’’ (2008) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIKCgRlwQUA), which is directed by Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders,
‘’Innocence of Muslims’’ (2012) by Nakolua Basseley Nakolua
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBOtbfQRGbQ&bpctr=1378048817)
‘’Submission’’ (2004) by Theo Van Gogh
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGtQvGGY4S4).
‘’Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Islam’’ (2010) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe_cuzsmmHU)
- Please also visit the Open Society Foundations web-site on “At Home in EU Project”
http://www.soros.org/about/programs/home-europe-project
10.10.2013 – Jewish in Europe and Student Activity (below)
Readings: Total 23 Pages.
- David Graham, “European Jewish Identity at the Dawn of the 21st Century”, Institute for Jewish Policy Research, Pages: 9-32.
http://www.jpr.org.uk/downloads/European_Jewish_Identity_in_21st_Century.pdf
- Please watch one of these movies/documentaries: ‘’The Life of Emile Zola’’ (1937), ‘’Hitler’s Daughter: The Story of a Conscience’’, ‘’La vita e Bella’’ or ‘’Schindler's List’’.
Student Activity: Please read the summary of Huntington – The Clash of Civilizations. Do you think that “Is a clash of civilizations inevitable”?
Week VII. Social Conflicts in Europe and the US
15.10.2013 –Independent Study: No Classes.
17.10. 2013 – Social Conflicts in Europe? How can we describe the social conflicts?
Readings: Total 15 Pages.
- Michael McTernan, ‘’Distributional conflicts in the US and Europe’’, Policy network paper, Foundation for European Progressive Studies, 2012, Pages: 1-15.
Student Activity: Watch short speech of Belgian politician Peter Mertens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTjjpDlJE8I) and write a reflection paper about his speech. Do you agree with him? Please explain why you agree or not with him.
Week VIII. Minority Case Study: The Roma in Europe – they are NOT ‘’gypsy’’
22.10.2013 – The Roma in Europe.
24.10.2013 – Student Activity: Please find some NGOS which are dealing with Roma rights. What is their most important success? How can we improve better conditions for Roma minorities?
- Please watch one of these films and ready to discuss in the class:
‘’Gypsies are found near heaven’’ (Табор уходит в небо) (1976)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udkz19ISbZs&list=ULGmUef84ybXk)
‘’Latcho Drom’’ (1993) by Tony Gatlif (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv1y5PNqsm4)
‘’Gadjo Dilo-The Crazy Stranger’ (1997) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERxlo6F4sWo)
‘’Gypsy Child Thieves’’ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGDj0B5WQaA) BBC Doc.
Readings: Total 19 Pages.
- Gabriel N. Toggenburg (ed.), “Minority Protection and the Enlarged European Union: The Way Forward”, Open Society Institute, 2004, Pages: 39-58.
For Case Studies, Please visit the web-page and read the specific country’s information.
http://www.migrationinformation.org/regions/Europe.cfm
29.10.2013 – Germany: “utterly failed” multiculturalism?
31.10.2013 – Germany: “utterly failed” multiculturalism?
Student Activity: Please watch one of these movies: Fatih Akın – Duvara Karşı (Gegen die Wand) and/or Yaşamın Kıyısında (Auf der anderen Seite) and write a reflection paper about this movie. How can you explain multiculturalism in German society?
Reading: Total 32 Pages.
- Patrick Ireland, “Becoming Europe: Immigration, Integration, and the Welfare State”, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2004, Pages: 27-59
Week X. BENELUX: “Multiculturalism must go” Dutch Home Affairs Minister Piet Hein Donner said and “Yes, Merkel is right. Multiculturalism has failed” said former FM Belgian Yves Leterme.
05.11.2013 – Multiculturalism in Benelux countries.
Student Activity: Please read about multiculturalism in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Students should write one page reflection paper about the topic. We will discuss the linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts and constitutional crises in Belgium and ‘’positive’’ reputation of Dutch societies as a progressive and tolerant image towards legalization of soft drugs and same sex-marriage. Were traditional Dutch policy of ‘’integration with preservation of one’s original culture’’ and extending rights to immigrants such as the right to vote in local elections and dual citizenship successful? If yes, why? Why does the country enter into a shock with the murders such as politician Pim Fortuyn (in 2002) and film director Theo van Gogh (in 2004)?
07.11.2013 – Independent Study: No classes.
Reading: Total 92 Pages.
- Patrick Ireland, “Becoming Europe: Immigration, Integration, and the Welfare State”, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2004, Pages: 116-209.
Week XI. France: Citizenship, Integration and Multiculturalism.
12.11.2013 – Multiculturalism in France: Laicité and La France raciste?
14.11.2013 – Multiculturalism in France.
Student Activity: Please watch ‘’Douglas Murray and Michael Coren - Multiculturalism in France’’ discussion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp5pnl-A1zE) and then read the article which is written by Artan Fuga, ‘’Multiculturalism in France: Evolutions and Challenges’’ (http://eurospheres.org/files/2010/08/Eurosphere_Working_Paper_12_Fuga.pdf) Finally write a short reflection paper on multiculturalism in France: what are the main problems and if you were a French, how would you react towards all discussions? Also, we will discuss film ‘’Welcome’’(2009) by Philippe Lioret http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314280/
Reading: Total 22 Pages.
- Jeremy Jennings, “Citizenship, Republicanism and Multiculturalism in Contemporary France”, British Journal of Political Science, Vol. 30, No. 4, October 2000, Cambridge University Press, Pages: 575-597.
Additional Readings:
- Patrick Simon, “French National Identity and Integration: Who Belongs to the National Community?” Institute National D’etudes Demographiques (INED) May 2012.
- Julia Poliscanova, ‘’What went wrong with multiculturalism in France?’’ Global Politics, http://www.global-politics.co.uk/issue%203/Multicultural%20France.htm
Week XII. The United Kingdom: “My war on Multiculturalism” by D. Cameron
19.11.2013 – The United Kingdom: From Multiculturalism to Interculturalism?
21.11.2013 – The United Kingdom.
Student Activity: Please compare Multiculturalism in France and in the UK. Which one is more successful? Why? Explain the reasons.
Student Activity: There is a common law system in the UK; therefore, many Islamic Sharia laws such as polygamy have been more easily applied rather than in secular civil law countries. If you were a native British, how would you react against Islamic laws in the British society?
Reading: Total 21 Pages. - Shamit Saggar and Will Somerville, “Building a British Model of Integration in an era of Immigration: Policy Lessons for Government” University of Sussex and Migration Policy Institute, May 2012, Pages: 1-22.
Week XIII. From South (- Spain) to the North (-Scandinavia): Any Peculiarities?
26.11.2013 – Spain - MC is a “big failure” by former PM Jose Maria Aznar
28.11.2013 – Scandinavia – A Dream of Welfare State?
Student Activity: Do you think that Welfare state promotes Multiculturalism. If yes, please explain the reasons.
Reading: Total 57 Pages.
- Harald Runblom, “Swedish Multiculturalism in a Comparative European Perspective”, Sociological Forum, Vol. 9, No. 4, Pages: 623-640.
- Rosa Aparicio Gomez, “Immigration and Integration Policy: Towards an Analysis of Spanish Integration Policy for Immigrants”, Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, 2000.
Week XIV. Multicultural Paradise: Myths and Realities on ‘’Willensnations’’: The Cases of Switzerland and the North America
03.12.2013 – Multiculturalism in the Switzerland: Nation created by its own will?
05.12.2013 – Multiculturalism in the North America: Melting Pots: The US and Canada.
Student Activity: Please discuss the multiculturalism as a Willensnation states: Do you think that multicultural policies are more successful in the North America than Europe?
Reading: Total 16 Pages.
- Wolf Linder, ‘’Multicultural Switzerland and the Challenge of Immigration’’, University of Bern, 2010, Pages: 1-16.
(http://www.wolf-linder.ch/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Swiss-Politics-of-Imigration6.pdf)
- Will Kymlicka, ‘’American Multiculturalism in the International Arena’’, Fall 1998.
(http://www.stanford.edu/class/polisci92n/readings/nov13.1.kymlika.pdf)
- Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, ‘’The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada and Research Themes on Canadian Multiculturalism 2008-2010.
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/multi-state.pdf)
Due Date for the Term-Paper as a hard-copy: 03rd December 2013 – Tuesday 12:45
Week XV. Critiques and Review of the Course
10.12.2013 –Discussions on Term Papers by students.
12.12.2013. Conclusion and Critiques
– Critiques of the Multiculturalism: What is next?
Reading: Total 16 Pages.
- Caroline Howarth and Eleni Andreouli, ‘’Has Multiculturalism failed? The importance of lay knowledge and everyday practice’’ London School of Economics.
(http://www.lse.ac.uk/socialPsychology/faculty/caroline_howarth/Howarth-and-Andreouli-paper-FINAL.pdf)
17.12.2013 Tuesday R225 12:45-14:10 – Final Exam.
* Note: The Instructor along with the European Studies Department reserves the right to make any changes in the topics of the course. It is one of the main responsibilities of the students to attend the class and be informed about any changes about the syllabus.
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