Identity, Diversity and Inclusion

COURSE OBJECTIVE
This course is designed to introduce students to the various issues concerning diversity and inclusion in an increasing globalizing world. The course focuses in particular on contemporary issues concerning processes of inclusion and exclusion in the Dutch/European context. The central questions in this course are:
1. How and why are identities based on ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality constructed by both insiders and outsiders?
2. How do (groups within) European/Dutch societies respond to diversity?
3. What are the relevant mechanisms of inclusion or exclusion?
4. How should we contextualize current debates and practices related to inclusion/exclusion processes in relation to Dutch/European historical developments?

Learning objectives
After having completed this course the student has aquired knowledge and understanding of:
(1) the relevant forms and dimensions of social identities;
(2) theories of identity construction inclusion and exclusion;
(3) the questions, debates and policies on diversity in con-temporary Western societies, and the differences between societies thereof;
(4) the challenges of contemporary developments - such as globalization and individualization- on contemporary forms of diversity.

After having completed this course the student has acquired the competences to:
(5) apply acquired knowledge in the analysis of contemporary forms of diversity.

After having completed this course the student is able to:
(6) take a critical stance in contemporary debates over identity, diversity and inclusion.

COURSE CONTENT
Identity issues have become very prominent in our globalizing world. While migration is often presented as one of the main causes of the increasing emphasis on identity, other developments, such as those related to (cultural) globalization and economic transformations, have had a strong impact as well. In addition to ethnic and religious diversity, gender inequalities, class differences and issues related to sexual diversity have changed The Netherlands, and other European societies. Ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality are markers of identity, but have also become axes of inclusion and exclusion in contemporary European societies.

This course discusses how ethnic and religious diversity intersect with other forms of diversity. While historical constructions of the nation were already gendered, in contemporary discourses on national identity gender (women) and (homo)sexuality have become more prominent as markers of national inclusion and exclusion. Or, as in Europe ethnic diversity largely coincides with class distinctions, how does this affect feelings of belonging and inclusion? Islamophobic rightwing radicalization and Islamic radicalization are studied as possible reactions to experi-enced threats to identity and/or social exclusion. The course will also zoom in on cases of local conflict and on related contemporary debates, such as feminist solidarity in an age of diversity.

FORM OF TUITION
Lecture.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Digital exam.