The course is focused on developing an understanding of communication and social participation in culturally diverse settings, in relation to dynamic migration processes. Participants will get acquainted with current academic literature and research in this respect.
Social participation is understood here as an involvement of migrants in social life – such as access to public services, taking part in local activities and decision-making. We will look at interactions in local communities, identify potential difficulties to intercultural communication and analyse the barriers to involvement in social activities.
We will be interested in issues such as: the existence of social and cultural boundaries, modes of inclusion, integrative and discriminative practices on the part of various social actors as well as “negotiations of difference”.Apart from a theoretical stance, the course has strong practical implications. We will explore possible policies and social actions aimed at building integrative and non-discriminatory encounters between diverse groups. Students will be empowered to analyse, design and assist inclusive social processes. They will develop sensitivity and skills in communicating across cultures and acquire the knowledge useful in supporting social participation.
