GV498 Half Unit
Multiculturalism
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Paul Apostolidis
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Columbia), MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Sciences Po), MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Political Theory. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: to apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed in the ‘availability’ section of the course guide. You should check that you meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable). Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Deadline for application: The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 26 September 2025. You can expect to be informed of the outcome of your application by 12:00 noon on Monday 29 September 2025. Any places remaining after this date will be allocated based on priority and written statement - up until course selection closes.
For queries contact: gov.msc@lse.ac.uk
This course is capped at two groups. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed above.
Course content
This seminar explores diverse theoretical perspectives on political and ethical responses to contemporary multiculturalism and the many different forms of cultural politics. In part, we confront normative-philosophical issues concerning how to justify special rights for particular cultural groups with reference to certain principles of freedom, justice or the human need for ‘recognition.’ We consider immigrants' and other groups’ demands for cultural preservation in light of European cosmopolitan ideals, and explore how those ideals may not only embrace cultural openness but also carry legacies of colonialism. The course also takes up questions regarding the meaning and effects of cultural politics in relation to political struggles for socioeconomic justice and against racial, gender and sexual domination. Through what practices of communication can different cultural groups approach mutual understanding in the aftermath of empire and colonisation? Does engaging in sexual and gender identity politics clash with or strengthen political action against capitalist and racial power? Texts in the course’s later phase combine political theory with empirical studies of indigenous, racial/ethnic minority, youth-subcultural and religious politics. These readings give us concrete grounds for addressing the course’s key questions as well as examples of innovative methodological approaches to writing political theory.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words) in Winter Term Week 8
Students are invited to write one 1,500 word formative essay, due no later than week 8.
Indicative reading
Charles Taylor, “The Politics of Recognition”; Will Kymlicka, “Multicultural Citizenship”; Iris Marion Young, "Polity and Group Difference”; Cristina Beltrán, “The Trouble with Unity: Latino Politics and the Creation of Identity”; Saba Mahmood, “Religious Reason and Secular Affect”; Glenn Coulthard, “Red Skin, White Masks”; Charles W. Mills, “Multiculturalism as/and/or Anti-Racism?”
Assessment
Essay (100%, 4000 words) in Spring Term Week 3
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: multiculturalism, cultural politics, cosmopolitanism, grounded political theory, intercultural communication, colonialism
Total students 2024/25: 28
Average class size 2024/25: 14
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills