Description
This course aims to introduce students into main themes and discussions in the literature on the politics of ethnic and racial diversity. Questions concerning ethnic diversity and conflict within national states are high on the political and administrative agenda around the world. Students who take this course will learn about the fundamental questions, possible solutions, and ongoing discussions concerning this issue. We shall focus on the global South (although not exclusively) and see that its long experience with deep social and cultural divisions is instructive for current discussions about the same issues in “the North.” Moreover, we shall inquire into several aspects of the complex relation between democracy and development, and see how these issues are related to (ethnic) diversity. A leading theme throughout the seminar is the role of the state and politics in the construction of social and cultural “groups,” and the dilemma’s that this poses for political institutions and activists alike. The course combines political philosophy, and empirical analysis of the politics of ethnic and racial group formation.
Course objectives
Objective 1: Students acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of governance and regime types in the global South, with special attention to issues of (ethnic) diversity and development.
Objective 2: Student learn to apply and critically judge the literature on this topic and to design and conduct empirical research on a theme of their choice within the overall theme of the course.
Mode of instruction
The seminar takes the form of close reading, analysis, and discussion of a series of texts. Classes are primarily meant to explain and discuss the literature. Students are expected study the literature each week and prepare for class by thinking of questions, critiques, and points for discussion to be brought up. For each meeting students will be assigned presentations of part of the literature. Work in this seminar is based on presentations and discussions of the literature, and “mini lectures.” Preparation is essential for participation in this class and for everyone’s learning experience. All the students need to read all texts in advance.
Assessment method
Presentation (literature) 30%
Reaction paper 20%
Research paper 50%
Participation pass/fail
The reaction paper is maximum 1000 words. The research paper is around 3000 words. You are free to choose the subject; basically, you write an analytical essay on an topic that is relevant to the issues raised in this course. Research papers have an empirical and a theoretical component, and in this case they should use or refer to at least some of the literature discussed in class. All written work is submitted double-spaced and properly referenced.
Reading list
The articles chosen for this class cover a broad range of theoretical and empirical perspectives on social and political issues that are directly related governing diversity. Most articles are available in the e-library. Those that are not will be made available on Brightspace.
Registration
See 'Practical Information'
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'
Contact
Dr. Vasiliki (Billy) Tsagkroni
v.tsagkroni@fsw.leidenuniv.nl (Office hours only by appointment)