THE COURSE IN SIENA
Siena presents a Specialist Module 2 between September and January of the second year.
Title: Multiculturalism in Europe: the Mediterranean Dimension.
The central course of the module examines some of the principal social and economic issues of present-day European migration flows, analysing them generally, but not exclusively, from an Italian viewpoint. This angle is justified by the fact that Italy is one of the EU countries most affected by problems related to the new flows of migrants and a country in which public debate and popular feeling continues to be intense. In a sense, precisely because Italy has come late to the question in respect of Britain, Germany or France, the Italian response to migration has been characterised by fresh approaches which makes Italy a good starting point from which to study these issues.
The module also includes three shorter courses designed to engage students with other questions concerning Italy within Europe and with the position of Europe within a globalized world. These three courses work together, with frequent cross referencing, providing an excellent background for the principal course on social and economic issues relating to migration.
Courses:
1. The central course of the module will include sub-modules on:
- migration from Central and Eastern Europe
- migration from Africa and Asia
- migration and the EU economy
- the characteristics and prospects of the EU labour market
- gender questions relating to migrants and the labour market
- multiculturalism versus assimilation
- family, religion, identity in the Italian context
- Islam: religious and cultural aspects
- the politics of Islam
2. A shorter course on Italian politics and the relationship between Italy and the EU
- brief history of Italian political problems
- characteristics of the Italian attitude to the EU
3. A short course on Political Party Organisation in Europe
4. A course of ten seminars on Europe, the USA and Globalisation
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework submitted during the three terms and by the research dissertation. The overall mark will be composed of four equal segments, 25% each for the three Modules and the Research Dissertation. Students will receive two degree certificates: the Masters degree from the university at which they submit their Research Dissertation; and the Euromasters diploma signed by the President of all six participating universities.
Teaching Methods and Technology
Apart from general lectures, students are placed in appropriate small seminar groups where the emphasis is on interactive discussion and confrontation of ideas. Structured readings form an important part of preparation for both lectures and seminars. In addition, working groups are formed for methodological and scenario-building classes. At all sites, use of the Internet is extensive, both for research purposes and for interaction with students and faculty at sites in different countries. Computer laboratories are widely available to all students. Some special international classes take place exclusively via the Internet. In addition, teleconferencing, via ISDN satellite linkage, allows international access to specialist lectures.