Identity Politics

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label Diverse autorenew 2025-09-29, 17:01 history_edu Maria Dumitru
Almost every current Western democracy can be characterized by cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. These "circumstances of multiculturalism" has given rise to a number of identity and recognition political conflicts. Citizens, politicians and commentators fiercely debate the interpretation of fundamental freedoms and what justice requires under these circumstances.

For instance: What are the limits of freedom of expression, and is it relevant that religious feelings are involved? Should Muslim headscarves be banned in public institutions, or would that amount to illegitimate discrimination? Which demands may we reasonably ask immigrants to fulfill in order to integrate into our societies?

And is a common, culturally homogenous nation a prerequisite for a well-functioning democracy, or is it sufficient that people identify with the political values on which the state is based. In addition, on a more theoretical level, the circumstances of multiculturalism has given rise to an extensive critique of the understanding and interpretation of the basic normative principles of liberal democracies such equality, freedom and tolerance. A number of theorists allege that these principles are deeply inadequate to handle the pluralistic reality in which we find ourselves.

Period
16-07-2014 - 13-08-2014 (4 weeks)

Target group
Master's students

Course aim
The objectives for this module are:



1) To account for and analyze the arguments and rationales pertaining to identity politics and the politics of recognition

2) To apply political theories of identity and recognition to a range of current policy issues

3) To critically assess the arguments and reasons pertaining to the identity politics and the politics of recognition

Credits
10.0 ECTS credits

Course fee
EUR 0: Students on a bilateral exchange programme do not have to pay. Freemovers are obliged to pay participation fees while tuition fees only apply to freemovers from countries outside the EU/ EEA/ Switzerland.

Course leader
Rasmus Sommer Hansen, Aarhus University

Aarhus University International Centre
Address: Hoeg Guldbergs Gade 4, building 1650 Aarhus C
Postal code: 8000
City: Aarhus
Country: Denmark
Website: http://www.au.dk/summeruniversity
E-mail: SummerUniversity@adm.au.dk
Phone: +45 8942 2320