Course Description

The course has an interdisciplinary platform in the social sciences and humanities, with an emphasis on socio-anthropological theory and linguistics and communication theory. Multicultural Understanding provides an introduction to the study of the global diversity of cultures and the social processes which develop in these cultures. The course will attempt to demonstrate how the organisation of social life is related to how people perceive themselves, each other and their surroundings. It focuses on understanding the premises for people’s actions, categorisations and interactions with their environments. The course includes active participation in the form of discussion and dialogue; in particular, current topics in the media may be discussed.

Through the course students will acquire a basic understanding of and insight into:

• Concepts which are used to define and examine multicultural questions
• Cultural variations in forms of expression
• Personal values, attitudes and approaches
• Migration and globalisation

Assessment Methods

Individual, midterm school examination (3 hours) counts for 30 % of the final grade (this examination will assess the student’s knowledge of the syllabus covered up to mid-term, including central concepts). Individual, home assignment (2 weeks) of roughly 2500-3000 words counts for 70 % of the final grade. Lettered grades from A to F, where E is the lowest passing grade. Both examinations must receive passing grades in order to achieve a final passing grade.

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