Globalization, social justice and human rights
A.A. 2023/2024
Obiettivi formativi
The course analyses theories, problems and debates associated with the effects that the growing globalization processes have on social justice and respect for human rights. The course aims to provide students with adequate theoretical and analytical tools for the study of complex situations, characterized by the need for mediation between different cultural perspectives. In particular, it develops a sociological perspective on Human rights.
Students will be invited to analyse how the current processes of globalization - economic, political and cultural - have effects in defining the daily and institutional contexts of interaction. We will analyse the relationship between the processes of globalization and the idea of human rights, their effective implementation and their transformations in a context of growing planetary interconnection. Our attention will focus on the intersections between globalization, material inequalities, gender, and ethnicity and how such intersections affect human rights. Furthermore, we will analyse how local decisions can have global impact and how the global dimension can constrain or facilitate local action. The theme of the relationship between globalization processes and human rights will be evaluated empirically starting from the questions of gender difference, migratory processes, ethnic and religious identifications, formal and practical criteria of inclusion and exclusion in the public sphere, and transformation of citizenship, racism and other forms of discrimination.
Particular attention will be paid to the critical evaluation of the role of the cultural dimension, to intercultural relations and to the methods of classification, naming and evaluation of the alleged cultural diversity.
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
(general skills)
Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological interpretative paradigms related to the theme of globalization, social justice, human rights and social inclusion / exclusion processes. Students will acquire an understanding of how widely-used terms, such as globalization, social justice and human rights, have specific histories shaped in specific (and often changing) relations of power. Students will be able to explain the meaning of these terms with reference to both their histories and different theoretical perspectives.
Knowledge and understanding of the structural dimensions of social processes and their transformation in a globalized world. Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and possibilities of individual and collective actions for the promotion and defence of human rights. Knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimension of human rights. Ability to use sociological knowledge to describe, understand and evaluate situations, processes and social problems, with particular attention to the dimensions of social justice and the promotion of human rights, inclusion and social participation. Ability to autonomously consult research reports, quantitative and qualitative data, scientific journals and databases concerning the themes of globalization, cultural difference, social justice and human rights.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Application of knowledge of the main sociological theories and social science concepts to the phenomena of globalization, multiculturalism, social justice and human rights. Acquisition of specific skills for analysing the cultural dimensions of globalization processes and the definition of human rights and social justice. Ability to evaluate the importance of the cultural dimension in the programs of protection and promotion of human rights; understanding of the dynamics of intercultural interactions. Students will enhance their capacity for critical analysis of social issues through the application of particular methods of analysis (e.g. intersectional analysis, case studies, qualitative comparative analysis) and critical social theory.
Communicating knowledge and understanding: Development of the ability to communicate, using a vehicular language, with students with different cultural backgrounds. Capacity to work in multicultural settings and to communicate and act respectfully and professionally across linguistic and cultural differences.
Students will be invited to analyse how the current processes of globalization - economic, political and cultural - have effects in defining the daily and institutional contexts of interaction. We will analyse the relationship between the processes of globalization and the idea of human rights, their effective implementation and their transformations in a context of growing planetary interconnection. Our attention will focus on the intersections between globalization, material inequalities, gender, and ethnicity and how such intersections affect human rights. Furthermore, we will analyse how local decisions can have global impact and how the global dimension can constrain or facilitate local action. The theme of the relationship between globalization processes and human rights will be evaluated empirically starting from the questions of gender difference, migratory processes, ethnic and religious identifications, formal and practical criteria of inclusion and exclusion in the public sphere, and transformation of citizenship, racism and other forms of discrimination.
Particular attention will be paid to the critical evaluation of the role of the cultural dimension, to intercultural relations and to the methods of classification, naming and evaluation of the alleged cultural diversity.
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
(general skills)
Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological interpretative paradigms related to the theme of globalization, social justice, human rights and social inclusion / exclusion processes. Students will acquire an understanding of how widely-used terms, such as globalization, social justice and human rights, have specific histories shaped in specific (and often changing) relations of power. Students will be able to explain the meaning of these terms with reference to both their histories and different theoretical perspectives.
Knowledge and understanding of the structural dimensions of social processes and their transformation in a globalized world. Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and possibilities of individual and collective actions for the promotion and defence of human rights. Knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimension of human rights. Ability to use sociological knowledge to describe, understand and evaluate situations, processes and social problems, with particular attention to the dimensions of social justice and the promotion of human rights, inclusion and social participation. Ability to autonomously consult research reports, quantitative and qualitative data, scientific journals and databases concerning the themes of globalization, cultural difference, social justice and human rights.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Application of knowledge of the main sociological theories and social science concepts to the phenomena of globalization, multiculturalism, social justice and human rights. Acquisition of specific skills for analysing the cultural dimensions of globalization processes and the definition of human rights and social justice. Ability to evaluate the importance of the cultural dimension in the programs of protection and promotion of human rights; understanding of the dynamics of intercultural interactions. Students will enhance their capacity for critical analysis of social issues through the application of particular methods of analysis (e.g. intersectional analysis, case studies, qualitative comparative analysis) and critical social theory.
Communicating knowledge and understanding: Development of the ability to communicate, using a vehicular language, with students with different cultural backgrounds. Capacity to work in multicultural settings and to communicate and act respectfully and professionally across linguistic and cultural differences.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
By the end of the course, students should be able to: (general skills) Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological interpretative paradigms related to the theme of globalization, social justice, human rights and social inclusion / exclusion processes. Students will acquire an understanding of how widely-used terms, such as globalization, social justice and human rights, have specific histories shaped in specific (and often changing) relations of power. Students will be able to explain the meaning of these terms with reference to both their histories and different theoretical perspectives. Knowledge and understanding of the structural dimensions of social processes and their transformation in a globalized world. Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and possibilities of individual and collective actions for the promotion and defence of human rights. Knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimension of human rights. Ability to use sociological knowledge to describe, understand and evaluate situations, processes and social problems, with particular attention to the dimensions of social justice and the promotion of human rights, inclusion and social participation. Ability to autonomously consult research reports, quantitative and qualitative data, scientific journals and databases concerning the themes of globalization, cultural difference, social justice and human rights. Applying knowledge and understanding: Application of knowledge of the main sociological theories and social science concepts to the phenomena of globalization, multiculturalism, social justice and human rights. Acquisition of specific skills for analysing the cultural dimensions of globalization processes and the definition of human rights and social justice. Ability to evaluate the importance of the cultural dimension in the programs of protection and promotion of human rights; understanding of the dynamics of intercultural interactions. Students will enhance their capacity for critical analysis of social issues through the application of particular methods of analysis (e.g. intersectional analysis, case studies, qualitative comparative analysis) and critical social theory. Communicating knowledge and understanding: Development of the ability to communicate, using a vehicular language, with students with different cultural backgrounds. Capacity to work in multicultural settings and to communicate and act respectfully and professionally across linguistic and cultural differences.
Periodo: Primo trimestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Primo trimestre
Programma
This course explores the theories, issues, and debates associated with intercultural relations, globalization, social justice, and human rights. It aims to provide students with appropriate theoretical and analytical tools for analysing and understanding complex social situations, characterised by the necessity to mediate between different cultural perspectives. Students will analyse how current frameworks - including institutions, values, assumptions, and actions - affect the economic, political, and cultural structures shaping our lives. We will look at how the decisions of the individual - such as in how and what they choose to wear, eat, and buy - can have global implications. As we move outward from the local scene, we will see similar concerns about equity, fairness and justice at the national and international levels. We will consider such issues as immigration policies, ethnic identification, definition of Otherness, criteria for inclusion and exclusion, forms of citizenship, technology and innovation all have social justice dimensions.
The course focuses on the theories, issues, and debates related to promoting social justice and human rights. We will analyse: the definition of 'culture' and 'cultural relations'; the ties between intercultural relations and human rights; how globalization is affecting belonging, social participation, nation-states and how it is transforming citizenship. Particular attention will be devoted to a sociological understanding of globalization, social justice and human rights.
Part of the course will be dedicated to analysing specific issues and debates related to counter specific forms of discrimination and exclusion: gender inequality; ethnic and racial discrimination; globalization and income inequality; migration, human rights, citizenship and discrimination.
The course focuses on the theories, issues, and debates related to promoting social justice and human rights. We will analyse: the definition of 'culture' and 'cultural relations'; the ties between intercultural relations and human rights; how globalization is affecting belonging, social participation, nation-states and how it is transforming citizenship. Particular attention will be devoted to a sociological understanding of globalization, social justice and human rights.
Part of the course will be dedicated to analysing specific issues and debates related to counter specific forms of discrimination and exclusion: gender inequality; ethnic and racial discrimination; globalization and income inequality; migration, human rights, citizenship and discrimination.
Prerequisiti
Knowledge of the sociological vocabulary acquired in a basic course in Sociology is required
Metodi didattici
Teacher-led lessons; weekly blogs; class presentation; discussion in the classroom; final joint project with students from other universities.
Versions of this course are being taught around the world, and we will be learning from and working with students at a variety of partner institutions.
All the Partner Institutions will use a common syllabus, and all the students will discuss and share their ideas on a specific Internet site (Labonline). While exploring the course materials at UNIMI, we will be engaging in dialog with students in other institutions abroad who are also taking this course in their home institutions. The course, therefore, is partly on-line.
Versions of this course are being taught around the world, and we will be learning from and working with students at a variety of partner institutions.
All the Partner Institutions will use a common syllabus, and all the students will discuss and share their ideas on a specific Internet site (Labonline). While exploring the course materials at UNIMI, we will be engaging in dialog with students in other institutions abroad who are also taking this course in their home institutions. The course, therefore, is partly on-line.
Materiale di riferimento
Students participating in the international project:
All the Partner Institutions will use a common syllabus, and all the students will discuss and share their ideas on a specific Internet site (Labonline). While exploring the course materials at UNIMI, we will be engaging in discussions with students in other institutions abroad who are also taking this course in their home institutions. The course, therefore, is partly online.
All the readings will be available on Labonline.
Students NOT participating in the international project:
Mark Frezzo, The Sociology of Human Rights, Cambridge: Polity Press 2015
Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Globalization, 2nd edition, London, Bloomsbury 2014
and the following articles (available electronically from the library site or on the page of the course on Ariel):
Eigin F. Isin, Bryan Turner, Investigating Citizenship: An Agenda for Citizenship Studies, in «Citizenship Studies», vol. 11, n. 1, 2007, pp. 5-17.
Boaventura de Sousa Santos 2002, Toward a Multicultural Conception of Human Rights, in Hernandez-Truyol B. (ed), Moral Imperialism. A Critical Anthology, 2002, New York: New York University Press, available at: http://www.ces.uc.pt/bss/documentos/toward_multicultural_conception_human_rights.pdf
Darren O'Byrne, Re-imagining the Theory of Human Rights, in «The International Journal of Human Rights», vol. 16, n. 7, 2012, pp. 1078-1093
Jack Donnelly 2007, The relative universality of human rights, in «Human Rights Quarterly», vol. 29, pp. 281-306
Enzo Colombo 2015, Multiculturalisms: An overview of multicultural debates in western societies, in «Current Sociology», vol. 63, n. 6, pp. 800-824
All the Partner Institutions will use a common syllabus, and all the students will discuss and share their ideas on a specific Internet site (Labonline). While exploring the course materials at UNIMI, we will be engaging in discussions with students in other institutions abroad who are also taking this course in their home institutions. The course, therefore, is partly online.
All the readings will be available on Labonline.
Students NOT participating in the international project:
Mark Frezzo, The Sociology of Human Rights, Cambridge: Polity Press 2015
Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Globalization, 2nd edition, London, Bloomsbury 2014
and the following articles (available electronically from the library site or on the page of the course on Ariel):
Eigin F. Isin, Bryan Turner, Investigating Citizenship: An Agenda for Citizenship Studies, in «Citizenship Studies», vol. 11, n. 1, 2007, pp. 5-17.
Boaventura de Sousa Santos 2002, Toward a Multicultural Conception of Human Rights, in Hernandez-Truyol B. (ed), Moral Imperialism. A Critical Anthology, 2002, New York: New York University Press, available at: http://www.ces.uc.pt/bss/documentos/toward_multicultural_conception_human_rights.pdf
Darren O'Byrne, Re-imagining the Theory of Human Rights, in «The International Journal of Human Rights», vol. 16, n. 7, 2012, pp. 1078-1093
Jack Donnelly 2007, The relative universality of human rights, in «Human Rights Quarterly», vol. 29, pp. 281-306
Enzo Colombo 2015, Multiculturalisms: An overview of multicultural debates in western societies, in «Current Sociology», vol. 63, n. 6, pp. 800-824
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
Assessment Methods and Criteria
There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students.
The distinction is between students who wish to be included in the international project and students who are not included in this project.
Although there are neither facilitations nor penalties between the two options, students are invited to choose by the second lesson (September 19, 2023) whether or not to enrol as participants in the international project. For organizational reasons - the course is held in collaboration with other international universities - it will not be possible to accept students in the international project after the first week of lessons.
Students participating in the international project must ensure a constant presence at the lessons and active participation in the weekly activities that will take place with students from other international universities through a special online platform (Labonline).
Students participating in the international project:
Attendance and participation are essential parts of this class. Students are expected to participate in meaningful and respectful ways, and everyone should (1) keep up with assigned readings, (2) get involved in class discussions, and (3) be open to other viewpoints and ideas. Your evaluation will reflect your attendance and involvement in class discussions.
Students are expected to write at least 8 weekly blogs (500-750 words per post) (one per week) that directly relate to the assigned readings.
Each student will be responsible for directing the discussion during a class meeting. S/he will organize the presentation of the weekly readings and will lead the discussion. The responsible for the discussion (1/4 students per week) will introduce the readings (preparing a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation if deemed necessary) and will promote a critical debate, involving all the other students.
Students will have to work with an international team (4/6 students, maximum two from the same university) exploring a specific issue/problem with global, social justice and human rights implications. This project aims to produce a briefing paper/power point/Prezi presentation/video/or other forms of presentation that explore the problem (historically, across various national/cultural and disciplinary boundaries) and propose sustainable solutions that critically reflect and operationalize the contents of this course.
Grade calculation:
8 points max. for posting weekly blogs (only 1 blog per week will be taken into account)
8 points max. for posting weekly comments on blogs from other universities (only 1 blog per week will be taken into account)
7 points max. for class attendance/participation
3 points max. for class presentation and leading class discussion
4 points max. for Joint Project
The final evaluation will take into account:
Knowledge and understanding of the main interpretive paradigms, concepts and issues in sociology, with particular attention to the cultural dimension and the processes of inclusion and exclusion.
Knowledge and understanding of the structural dimensions of social processes and their transformations in a globalised world.
Capacity to use sociological knowledge and concepts to describe, understand, assess and explicate social problems, situations and processes, with particular attention to social justice dimensions and to promote inclusion and social participation.
Capacity to consult autonomously research reports, qualitative and quantitative data, journals and books on issues connected with globalization, cultural difference, social justice, and human rights.
Applying knowledge and understanding of the main sociological theories and concepts to the social phenomena, with particular attention to globalization, multiculturalism, social justice, and human rights.
Students NOT participating in the international project:
The exam for students not participating in the international project consists of a written test which takes place in the form of 4/6 open questions on the program topics, with particular reference to the texts indicated.
The evaluation will take into account an in-depth and timely knowledge of the indicated texts; the knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of the processes of globalization; knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of the current debate on social justice, human rights and citizenship; knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of inclusion and exclusion processes, their main causes and anti-discrimination policies; an adequate understanding of the sociological debate concerning the issues of multiculturalism, interculturalism, citizenship and its transformations.
Students will be also evaluated on the basis of their capacity for critical thinking and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different theoretical sociological perspectives.
Students should have a good knowledge and understanding of all the texts and articles indicated in the program.
There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students.
The distinction is between students who wish to be included in the international project and students who are not included in this project.
Although there are neither facilitations nor penalties between the two options, students are invited to choose by the second lesson (September 19, 2023) whether or not to enrol as participants in the international project. For organizational reasons - the course is held in collaboration with other international universities - it will not be possible to accept students in the international project after the first week of lessons.
Students participating in the international project must ensure a constant presence at the lessons and active participation in the weekly activities that will take place with students from other international universities through a special online platform (Labonline).
Students participating in the international project:
Attendance and participation are essential parts of this class. Students are expected to participate in meaningful and respectful ways, and everyone should (1) keep up with assigned readings, (2) get involved in class discussions, and (3) be open to other viewpoints and ideas. Your evaluation will reflect your attendance and involvement in class discussions.
Students are expected to write at least 8 weekly blogs (500-750 words per post) (one per week) that directly relate to the assigned readings.
Each student will be responsible for directing the discussion during a class meeting. S/he will organize the presentation of the weekly readings and will lead the discussion. The responsible for the discussion (1/4 students per week) will introduce the readings (preparing a PowerPoint/Prezi presentation if deemed necessary) and will promote a critical debate, involving all the other students.
Students will have to work with an international team (4/6 students, maximum two from the same university) exploring a specific issue/problem with global, social justice and human rights implications. This project aims to produce a briefing paper/power point/Prezi presentation/video/or other forms of presentation that explore the problem (historically, across various national/cultural and disciplinary boundaries) and propose sustainable solutions that critically reflect and operationalize the contents of this course.
Grade calculation:
8 points max. for posting weekly blogs (only 1 blog per week will be taken into account)
8 points max. for posting weekly comments on blogs from other universities (only 1 blog per week will be taken into account)
7 points max. for class attendance/participation
3 points max. for class presentation and leading class discussion
4 points max. for Joint Project
The final evaluation will take into account:
Knowledge and understanding of the main interpretive paradigms, concepts and issues in sociology, with particular attention to the cultural dimension and the processes of inclusion and exclusion.
Knowledge and understanding of the structural dimensions of social processes and their transformations in a globalised world.
Capacity to use sociological knowledge and concepts to describe, understand, assess and explicate social problems, situations and processes, with particular attention to social justice dimensions and to promote inclusion and social participation.
Capacity to consult autonomously research reports, qualitative and quantitative data, journals and books on issues connected with globalization, cultural difference, social justice, and human rights.
Applying knowledge and understanding of the main sociological theories and concepts to the social phenomena, with particular attention to globalization, multiculturalism, social justice, and human rights.
Students NOT participating in the international project:
The exam for students not participating in the international project consists of a written test which takes place in the form of 4/6 open questions on the program topics, with particular reference to the texts indicated.
The evaluation will take into account an in-depth and timely knowledge of the indicated texts; the knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of the processes of globalization; knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of the current debate on social justice, human rights and citizenship; knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of inclusion and exclusion processes, their main causes and anti-discrimination policies; an adequate understanding of the sociological debate concerning the issues of multiculturalism, interculturalism, citizenship and its transformations.
Students will be also evaluated on the basis of their capacity for critical thinking and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different theoretical sociological perspectives.
Students should have a good knowledge and understanding of all the texts and articles indicated in the program.
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGIA DEI PROCESSI CULTURALI E COMUNICATIVI - CFU: 6
Lezioni: 40 ore
Docente:
Colombo Enzo
Siti didattici
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
MERCOLEDI' 9.30 - 12.30 su appuntamento, inviare una email a [email protected]
Dip. Scienze sociali e politiche - stanza 321