Ateneo - UPO

The course explores the processes of production and reproduction of ethnic boundaries, both by illustrating the main theories on the subject and by applying these theoretical models to contemporary societies, with the aim of understanding their concrete cultural, social and political dynamics. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of migratory processes.

Colombo, E., Sociologia delle relazioni interculturali, Roma, Carocci (chapters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) Further papers will be posted on the DIR platform at the beginning of the course.

The course aims to provide: 1. (knowledge and understanding): a basic understanding of the main concepts and theories on the construction of ethnic boundaries; 2. (ability to apply knowledge and understanding): the ability to apply the knowledge learned to concrete dynamics of contemporary societies, especially those related to migration; 3. (independent judgement): the ability to critically discuss concrete case studies, starting with those proposed during the course; 4. (communication skills): the ability to clearly present the knowledge acquired; 5. (learning skills): the ability to understand and navigate independently in the literature relating to the construction of ethnic boundaries.

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The module combines lectures and interactive discussions of case studies, based on texts indicated by the professor and posted on the DIR platform at the beginning of the lessons.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (DSA) or Special Educational Needs (BES) may request specific services and tools dedicated to them by contacting the Career Development and Coordination Staff and Student Services and consulting the dedicated page of the University website: https://uniupo.en/en/servizi/servizi-studentisidisabili- e-dsa Students with disabilities, DSA, BES, once they have made contact with the University Staff, may contact the teacher in charge of the course in relation to the declination of the examination methods, with regard to teaching aspects.

The examination will be oral and will focus on the course materials. The grade is expressed in thirtieths and the evaluation is based on the following parameters: 1) knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered: 18 points out of 30 (sufficiency); 2) ability to clearly and effectively present the knowledge acquired: 6 points out of 30; 3) ability to establish links between the topics covered and to explore them critically and with independent judgement: 6 points out of 30.

The course will cover the following topics, both by illustrating their basic concepts and through concrete examples: 1. The social construction of cultural otherness. 2. Representations of the stranger in sociological thought. 3. The construction and reproduction of ethnic boundaries. 4. Discrimination and racism.

At the end of the course, students are expected to: 1. have acquired the fundamental tools for analysing the processes of construction and reproduction of ethnic boundaries and the processes of othering and discrimination (knowledge and understanding); 2. be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real processes in contemporary societies, especially those related to migration (ability to apply knowledge and understanding); 3. be able to critically discuss concrete case studies, starting with those proposed during the course (independence of judgement); 4. (communication skills) be able to present the knowledge acquired in a clear and effective manner; 5. (learning skills) be able to understand and independently navigate the literature on the construction of ethnic boundaries.