Identity, Diversity and Inclusion- Period 2 STEM in Amsterdam Program Fall 2023 Semester - Amsterdam

Identity issues have become very prominent in our globalizing world. While migration is often presented as one of the main causes of the increasing emphasis on identity, other developments, such as those related to (cultural) globalization and economic transformations, have had a strong impact as well. In addition to ethnic and religious diversity, gender inequalities, class differences and issues related to sexual diversity have changed The Netherlands, and other European societies. Ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality are markers of identity, but have also become axes of inclusion and exclusion in contemporary European societies.

This course discusses how ethnic and religious diversity intersect with other forms of diversity. While historical constructions of the nation were already gendered, in contemporary discourses on national identity gender (women) and (homo)sexuality have become more prominent as markers of national inclusion and exclusion. Or, as in Europe ethnic diversity largely coincides with class distinctions, how does this affect feelings of belonging and inclusion? Islamophobic rightwing radicalization and Islamic radicalization are studied as possible reactions to experi-enced threats to identity and/or social exclusion. The course will also zoom in on cases of local conflict and on related contemporary debates, such as feminist solidarity in an age of diversity.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.