Required prerequisite knowledge

Higher Education Entrance Qualification and in addition 60 ECT in social science, humanities, journalism, social studies or teacher education.

Recommended prerequisite knowledge

60 ECT in intercultural studies or similar is recommended. Good knowledge of English language is recommended.

Relevance within study programme

Optional course in the Intercultural Competance bachelor program.

Introduction

The course provides an understanding of intercultural theory and practice in the area of cultural diversity and conviviality concerning migration and social and cultural difference in contemporary societies. The course draws upon resources from multiple disciplines such as cultural studies, social anthropology, geography and sociology to build a critical account of the efforts at living together within contexts of diversity and hierarchical difference. Ethnographic research focusing on everyday intercultural encounters will be explored in detail.

Learning outcomes descriptors

On completion of the course, the candidate should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge 

The student:  

• has knowledge of the field of cultural diversity and conviviality concerning migration and social and cultural difference in contemporary societies 
• has knowledge on the theoretical concepts and research regarding diversity, conviviality, cosmopolitanism, nationalism and difference drawing on multiple disciplines 
• has knowledge on the development of the empirical research field and the various discourses in the field  
• has knowledge and understanding of contemporary efforts to live together peacefully across difference, within structures of hierarchy and inequality and their associations with other dimensions of power and conflict. 

Skills 

The student: 

• can find, assess, and refer to information and academic literature, and present this to shed light on issues related to political and cultural challenges in different cultural contexts. 
• can identify and discuss the central themes in the field of cultural diversity and convivality 
• has ability to think critically and express ideas in written and verbal forms; to be clear about the political and ethical problems associated with living together in contemporary societies marked by diversity and to be empowered to act in pursuit of equality and inclusion in a variety of institutional contexts 

General competence 

The student: 

• can utilize a range of critical and theoretical tools as well as having a deep understanding of the complexity of everyday intercultural encounters. 
• masters analytical skills and reflexivity regarding the possibilities and pitfalls related to living together in difference in contemporary societies. 

Content

This BA-course affords opportunities to analyse how people live together in diversity and will equip the student with a range of critical and theoretical tools as well as a deep understanding of the complexity of everyday intercultural encounters. The student will be encouraged and enabled to analyse contemporary efforts to live together peacefully across difference, within structures of hierarchy and inequality and their associations with other dimensions of power and conflict. 

The curriculum emphasises the need for students to encounter a constellation of key concepts and to become familiar with theoretical concepts and debates that are foundational in the academic analysis of diversity, conviviality, cosmopolitanism, nationalism and difference. This evolving body of research will be brought into contact with a range of examples drawn from different locations and institutional settings.

The aim is to foster the ability to think critically and express ideas in written and verbal forms; to be clear about the political and ethical problems associated with living together in contemporary societies marked by diversity and to be empowered to act in pursuit of equality and inclusion in a variety of institutional contexts. 

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars includinggroupdiscussions,exercises and student presentation. All teaching and group sessions will be held in English.

Scope

Approx. 300 hours

Coursework requirements

The following compulsory work-requirements must be approved for students to take the exam: 

80% obligatory attendance in classes

• Two group presentations  
• Feed-back twice on other groups’ presentations 
• Deliver three academic logs (1000 - 2000 pages each log)

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved/not approved 

Final assessment

Home-exam (7 days and 3000 words +/- 10%) 

Grading, examination

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail. 

Permitted aids under examination

All.

Assessment language

English

Course evaluation

A course evaluation will be carried out in line with NLA’s quality system.

Available as Single Course

Yes.