30209

SoSe 17: Culture and Values in Contemporary Debates on Migration and Multiculturalism

Christian von Scheve

Information for students

Exam Term paper (3.000 words) or three essays (á 1.000 words)

Comments

In view of the recent upsurge in immigration to many European countries and persisting debates on multiculturalism and integration, values have resurfaced not only in public and political debate, but also in social science theory and research. Values represent what is commonly believed to be morally good or bad, desirable or undesirable, blame- or praiseworthy. Values are therefore amongst the major guiding forces of social behavior, in private as well as in work life. In conjunction with language, practices, and norms, values are seen as key ingredients of “culture”. In this sense, shared values are amongst the defining criteria of social collectives, such as communities and societies. Because different values represent different conceptions of the desirable, they can be at odds with one another and can be a frequent source of antagonism between individuals and parties. On the other hand, values are hardly ever monolithic, they show substantial variation not only across but also within countries and across historical episodes. This seminar sets out to develop an in-depth theoretical understanding of values and culture in the context of current academic and public debates on migration and multiculturalism. It aims at making students familiar with existing scholarship on what values are, how they relate to culture, and how they differ across cultures and societies. Moreover, the seminar will stimulate student-led debate and discussion of current issues in the politics of migration and multiculturalism. close

14 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Wed, 14:00 - 16:00 14 Class schedule

Wed, 2017-04-19 14:00 - 16:00

Lecturers:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian von Scheve