This course explores various models in managing diversity in Asia. It examines forms of‘difference’ such as ethnicity, religion and sexuality, and policy frameworks are important for multicultural societies. The course critically engages with the debates within scholarship of multiculturalism that encourages a theoretically-informed approach towards a range of empirical examples from Europe, North America and Asia. The analysis of empirical examples enables the consideration of demographic, cultural and ideological particularities, as well as nation-building efforts that vary across historical and geographical environments. This context-driven approach will also be taken towards the analysis of contemporary policy issues including citizenship, education and employment, including current debates such as disability in education and the ‘headscarf affair’. The course also includes an applied component which allows students to put the theories to use and to experience how to deal with diversity through three dialogue sessions outside the campus.
1. Understand social diversity in Singapore and Asia
2. Understand theories that explain diversity and diversity management
3. Identify dominant and normative discourses on diversity and diversity management
4. Analyse and evaluate the policies and programmes that seek to manage diversity
5. Devise evidence-based approaches in understanding and managing diversity
