50163 Intercultural Interventions

Societies develop and are exposed to many forms of social intervention. This subject examines a range of interventions and identifies the underlying assumptions, strategic goals and sociocultural outcomes of such actions. It focuses on how and why interventions are contested, and encourages students to investigate and critique them. The course is divided into three components: intercultural corporate interventions, e.g. in the form of transnational media networks; intercultural interventions by states, e.g. as peace-making or humanitarian intervention; and intercultural interventions by non-government organisations, e.g. in the field of the environment or human rights. The subject concentrates on situations of cultural diversity, and cross-cultural relations, at international, national and local levels. Global dimensions include the activities of the UN and its agencies, the World Bank and other international agencies. In the national context, the subject explores indigenous relations and intercultural issues in multiculturalism. Particular attention is paid to non-government organisations and their political relationships, and the role of social movements. Crucial dimensions of race and gender set the focus of the theoretical frameworks examined.

Assessment: Student learning is assessed though seminar presentations, online debates and written assignments.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus