Course Objectives

Through course 2, students will examine in depth cultural theory and cultural analysis. The focus in this course will be directed towards a theoretical understanding of some of the processes that are part of course 1, including socialisation, youth culture, multiculturalism and modernity. The goal is to enable students to apply cultural theory to understand the relationships between the health of children and adolescents, mastering and problems/behavioural problems, and their social and cultural backgrounds. The goal of the course is that students will develop:

• Insight into cultural theory and to gain a balanced understanding of the concept culture
• Understanding of modernity and its characteristics
• Knowledge of the concepts of social and cultural capital
• Knowledge of power analysis and issues related to power and powerlessness
• Knowledge of subcultures
• Increased insight into multiculturalism, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
• Critical awareness of the relationship between minority and majority groups.

Course Description

Course 2 focuses on cultural theory and identity formation as well as knowledge of different uses of the ‘culture’ concept — including themes such as children and adolescent’s culture. The course will also provide students with a theoretical foundation for applying cultural-analytical approaches to understanding living conditions and growth environments for children and adolescents. These approaches will be associated with theories on modernity/globalisation in a society with increasing ethnic pluralism.

Central themes will include:

• Culture theories
• Theories on modernity, globalisation and the forming of identity
• Multiculturalism, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
• Dilemmas in a multicultural society
• Youth cultures and subcultures
• Social and cultural capital

Learning Methods

Lectures, seminars, group work, oral and written presentations.

Assessment Methods

Course code: 981HEMN2

Course 2: Cultural Analysis and Identity

Course 2 will conclude with a 1-week individual home examination.
The assignment will comprise roughly 5000 words.
The assignment will be given a graded mark (A-F), and the grade for the course will be separately entered on the diploma.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean