The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Rothberg International School Division of Undergraduate Studies MULTICULTURALISM & PEACE Zvi Bekerman, Ph.D. Course Description The discourse of multiculturalism may be conceived as one that enables us to confront the paradoxes of a world gone global. Multiculturalism struggles primarily with the possible meanings of concepts such as 'culture' and 'identity' as they evolve within the political spheres of democratic nations, particularly with respect to relationships among minority majority groups, and education. At present, the nature of these relationships is under attack from a variety of ethnic, religious, cultural, and national minorities that accuse nation-states of insensitivity to their particular needs and expectations and failure to accord them sufficient recognition. The challenges posed by these minorities call for immediate attention, as democratic states are at least rhetorically committed to the principle of equal representation for all citizens. In the course we will present the basic tenants of the multicultural perspective and offer a critique of the multicultural discourse of policymakers and educators in the context of modern democracies from an anthropological perspective, underscoring the dangers of the reified conceptualization and use of the terms "culture" and 'identity' while focusing on the conflictual realities of Israel. The main issues and concepts to be studied and discussed: Multiculturalism Identity Culture Multiculturalism and education Multicultural challenges in the Israeli Society focusing on education In general we expect to be able to read from the following bibliographic list one paper per week to be analyzed and discussed during the class period Scope: 45 horas académicas (3 créditos): Lenguage: Spanish or English according to group requirements Students Assignments and grades Participation will be evaluated on the basis of the weekly submissions and a final paper.