The Self and the Other: Cultural and Social Theories of Diversity and Othering (engl.)

Content

In this course, we will analyze different concepts like class, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, dis/ability and the role these categories play in constructing social worlds and cultures. Moreover, we will examine how these concepts have interacted with regimes of power and have produced contested histories of oppression and discrimination, but also instances of solidarity and empathy.

Furthermore, we will study how individuals construct personal and cultural identities in a complex and globalized world. Apart from discussing the work of scholars like Antonio Gramsci, Michael Foucault, Edward Said, Judith Butler and others, we will look at exemplary video and audio materials from everyday and popular culture, like music videos, movies and TV series.

Aims

By the end of the semester, students will have an understanding how the categories mentioned above influence our personal lives and have shaped cultures and histories. Furthermore, students will have an active knowledge of the most prominent cultural theories, the scholars associated with them and can use these theories in analyses of everyday 'texts' (f.i. Hollywood movies, TV series, rock and pop songs) and practices.

Methods

Depending on the size of the student group this course will either be held as a lecture course or (more likely) a seminar. Methods will include teacher instruction, group work, and individual study.

Credits

For ‚regular‘ students Studium Generale, Lernbereich 2: Wissen und Gesellschaft. For exchange and international students: 2.5 CP.

Examination

Depending on the format of the course, there will be an exam (lecture course format) or students will give oral presentations on a related topic of their choice (seminar format, 30-40 min, group work possible) and present a thesis paper (2 pages).

Literature

Fred L. Pincus. Understanding Diversity: An Introduction to Class, Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation, and Disability. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2011.