EU458      Half Unit
Identity, Community and the 'Problem of Minorities'

This information is for the 2016/17 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Jennifer Jackson Preece COW 2.06

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities and MSc in European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available on the MSc in Conflict Studies, MSc in EU Politics, MSc in EU Politics (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Human Rights and MSc in International Migration and Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.

This is a capped course (20 students). Students are required to obtain permission from the teaching department to take this course.

Course content

This course is concerned with cultural politics in contemporary states. In Europe today there is a growing rejection of multiculturalism and a reaffirmation of cultural cohesion and shared identity. Taking a narrative approach, this course will examine competing policy responses towards minorities and migrants. Europe will be a major focus. Nevertheless, students with interests and expertise outside of Europe should feel free to include this wider perspective in their seminar discussions and assignments.

Teaching

12 hours of lectures and 12 hours of seminars in the LT.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students are required to submit one policy review and one video proposal.

Indicative reading

P. Aufder, Documentary Film Making: A Very Short Introduction, 2008; Z. Bauman, Wasted Lives: Modernity and Its Outcasts, 2003; B. Buzan, O. Weaver and J. de Wilde, Security: A New Framework For Analysis,1998; J. Jackson-Preece, Minority Rights: Between Diversity and Community, 2005; W. Kymlicka, Multicultural Citizenship, 1995; C. K. Riessman, Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences, 2008; G. Rose, Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching With Visual Materials,  2012.A more detailed reading list is available from Dr Jackson-Preece.

Assessment

Essay (50%, 2500 words) and other (50%) in the LT.

Student performance results

(2012/13 - 2014/15 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 25.5
Merit 54.9
Pass 19.6
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: European Institute

Total students 2015/16: 26

Average class size 2015/16: 13

Controlled access 2015/16: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Communication