Foundations of Multiculturalism

blended course

Can, and should, a democratic society treat all its members as equals? Should it recognize their specific cultural identities? Is political recognition of ethnicity, religion, or gender essential to a person’s dignity? These are some of the questions at the heart of multiculturalism. This course examines multiculturalism through a focus on its historical, political, sociological, and philosophical foundations.

Key concepts of the course consist of multiculturalism, race, ethnic identity, minority cultures, minority rights, language identity, equity, power and privilege. The course topics include eg. historical and philosophical underpinnings of multiculturalism, The Civil Rights Movement as well as language, recognition and identity.

Contact teaching in Turku. The start and/or finish of the course is completed online.

Course leader

Åbo Akademi University

Emmanuel Acquah, Associate Professor, Minority Research, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies

Target group

Undergraduate students with at least two years of completed Bachelor’s studies in any field and Master’s students.

Course aim

Students completing this course will be able to

- Analyse and interpret the historical, political, philosophical, and sociocultural foundations of multiculturalism.
- Analyse how social structures of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, ability, and sexual orientation work to create relations that privilege some and deny opportunity to others.
- Understand and use the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the nature of recognition and its link with identity.
- Evaluate, analyse, and interpret how society responds to cultural diversity.

Fee info

EUR 50: The course fee includes:

- Registering to the course and customer service
- Teaching, study facilities in Turku