MVZ243 The Complex Nature of Ethnicity and Identity in the Western Balkans

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2015
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Michaela Strapáčová (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 24. 9. 15:15–16:45 P24, Thu 15. 10. 15:15–20:15 P24, Thu 5. 11. 15:15–20:15 P24, Thu 17. 12. 15:15–20:15 P24
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course examines various theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of ethnicity and the interrelation between ethnicity and citizenship. In highly diverse states, ethnic groups, national and other types of minorities seek recognition and accommodation on the basis of their differences resulting in a variety of group-differentiated rights (e.g. special representation rights, language rights, limited self-government rights, etc.). Issues of identity, authenticity, integration, and stereotypes will be addressed.
Syllabus
  • Theoretical aspects of Ethnicity
  • Citizenship as a Part of Identity
  • History and its impact on Kosovo’s character and development
  • The Role of Ethnicity in Political System in Kosovo
  • The Role of International Organizations in Kosovo
  • Impact of Diasporas on interethnic coexistence
Literature
    required literature
  • BRUBAKER, Rogers. Ethnicity without groups. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2004, x, 283. ISBN 0674022319. info
  • BAUMANN, Gerd. The multicultural riddle : rethinking national, ethnic, and religious identities. New York: Routledge, 1999, ix, 177. ISBN 0415922135. info
  • GUIBERNAU, Montserrat. The ethnicity : reader : nationalism, multiculturalism and migration. Edited by John Rex. 1st pub. Cambridge: Polity Press, 1997, x, 336. ISBN 0745619231. info
Teaching methods
The primary objective of the course is to explore the complexity of inter-ethnic relations and their impact on social and political development in multicultural states. Through specific case studies (i.e. Kosovo other states in the Western Balkans) students will be introduced to theory, history and current development in these countries. Students are expected to further develop their critical thinking, reading, presenting and writing skills. This course will consist of lectures and seminars, research projects, papers, and presentations. A goal of this course is to give students an opportunity to gain knowledge about ethnicity in highly divided and multicultural societies and apply it by working on their individual and group assignment.
Assessment methods
▪ Class Attendance and participation are mandatory. Students are expected to attend, arrive on time, and actively participate in the discussions. It is crucial that you do the assigned reading and take in consideration optional study materials before you come to class and be prepared to discuss the reading with the class. You must demonstrate appropriate respect for the opinions and ideas of other students. ▪ Deadlines: All assignments must be turned in on time. Thus, late assignments will not be accepted. If you have any questions about any of the assignments, you must ask the teacher at least 5 days prior to the assignment’s deadline. Students are required to do and to submit all mandatory assignments in order to be eligible to complete this course. All late assignments will be subject a late penalty of one letter grade deducted for every 24 hours your assignment is late. ▪ Cheating and Plagiarizing will not be tolerated. You are expected to do your own work in the course and carefully cite your sources. Students will be graded on your knowledge of assigned readings and lectures, class participation, verbal and written presentation: 20 % Attendance and active participation in class discussions: Your active class participation will be evaluated with emphasize on your part taken in a simulation on Kosovo Peacebuilding under International Administration. Keep in mind that if you miss 1 or more classes without excuse, a full letter grade will be deducted from your overall grade for every class missed. 30 % Midterm exam: The take-home exam will be based on the information from the previous week’s lectures and reading. The exam will be emailed to all registered students on Thursday 19 November 2015 and the completed exam will have to be submitted electronically on IS on Saturday 21 November 2015 before 12:00. The exam will primarily test your capacity to relate theoretical frames and concepts of the course literature to The Death of Yugoslavia documentary and Two summers in Kosovo. 50 % Research Project: Students will be divided into groups, with each group undertaking a specific research topic. The students are asked to research, write and present on a particular topic. Their work has to show clear evidence of having understood and synthesized course concepts. Students will be graded on their ability to apply the course concepts to their particular assignment. Thus, the research project consists of a full letter grade deduction from that assignment. Presentation (25%) Students will work in groups on a specific topic. Each group will prepare a project, which you will present during our last lecture. Groups must clearly communicate ideas, information, and arguments and create PowerPoint/Prezi presentations. Keep in mind that you should not be reading off of your slides when presenting. Presentation requirements: ▪ Content/Public Speaking: Ability to integrate concepts and ideas discussed in the course. All information must be clear, appropriate, and correct. ▪ Organization and Time Limit: Introduces and presents the assigned topic clearly and effectively in 20 minutes. The sequence of presentation is logical and intuitive. ▪ Citations: All sources have to be properly cited. Research Paper (25%) Students will also have to write a 10-page research paper on particular issue excluding bibliography and appendices. You will be required to carefully examine another country in the region and explain how the issue of ethnicity influence this particular topic. (E.g. political structure, international recognition, education, employment, stability, etc.) ▪ Content: Clarity and originality of problem statement/central question/research puzzle. Quality/relevance of the sources used. You should provide accurate information and in-depth analysis of the topic. Have you broken down the problem into its component elements, and dealt with all the points this has raised? Is your reasoning logical, lucid, coherent, consistent and convincing? Overall, your paper has to be cohesive (application of concepts and ideas). ▪ Literature: Supporting literature has to be accurate and properly utilized in the paper. Students have to pay close attention to referencing their sources. ▪ Quality of Writing: Make sure to proofread your paper. Does your paper/essay read well, is it grammatically correct, have you carefully checked spelling, accuracy of citations, and presented a complete bibliographical reference section at the end of your paper? Did you stay within the minimum and maximum word limit? Percentage score Letter grade 93 % and above A 92 – 85 % B 84 – 77 % C 76 – 69 % D 68 – 60 % E 60 % and below F At least 60 % of the highest possible evaluation is to be reached if a student shall qualify himself/herself for completing the course.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
https://is.muni.cz/auth/predmet/fss/podzim2015/MVZ243
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2015/MVZ243