PSCI 235 Multiculturalism and Political Theory (Not offered 1999-2000; to be offered 2000-2001)
Some cultural minority groups in democratic states demand "special" social
and political arrangements to accommodate their distinct identities, languages
and ways of life. Is this a requirement of justice in plural societies? What
exactly is the basis for these claims? Do demands for community autonomy-such
as separate religious schools, instruction in one's own language, or native
self-government-jeopardize democratic commitments to universal rights and
citizenship, or to a division of church and state? Or are such arrangements
required in order to make good on liberal and democratic commitments to justice
for all in culturally plural societies? We'll look at recent responses by
several political philosophers to the justice claims of cultural minority
groups.
Requirements: one midterm exam, one final paper (6-8 pages), and a final
exam. No prerequisites. Political Theory Subfield