When you argue with a neighbour about his loud music; or when you refuse to shop in a supermarket selling factory-raised chicken; or when you organize a commission to resist the university management; or when you claim your right to sing the national anthem before class – in all these cases you act like a citizen. Of course you also act like a citizen when you vote, pay taxes, or volunteer for the elderly. But these acts are obvious, and citizenship is in fact much more ingrained in our daily life than we realize; it is the structure by which we live.
At least, that’s what this course is about: about everyday citizenship in the heart of the humanist project. Citizenship is a brilliant humanistic invention, which bundles the ideals of equality and freedom and organizes them in society. Without a serious conception of citizenship, humanists will have a hard time achieving what should be their aim – to humanize society. So that’s what this course revolves around: studying citizenship as a theoretical concept and as an everyday practice.
After completion of participation in B2-HUM3 Promises and Pitfalls of Citizenship, according to the requirements, the student is able to:
None
World View- , Academic - and Professional Education
This course supports the academic development of students, by teaching them to formulate academic questions and to argue academically. Also, the knowledge on broad social changes for citizenship (and vice versa) prepare students for positions in political-administrative and policy functions and/or positions in education, consultancy and research, educational and research institutions, government agencies and social organisations.
Brief explanation of cohesion with other courses
This course constitutes another important step in the humanization ‘stream’ of the bachelor. On the vertical plane, this module is in alignment with the HUM courses. While students explore theories on humanistic theory and micro-level practices in HUM1 and HUM2, this course connects these practices to developments at the macro level. This course prepares for HUM5 and HUM6 in which students integrate knowledge acquired through HUM1, HUM2 and HUM3. Moreover, in this course students practice in building a clear argumentation, also to prepare them for writing their thesis.
On the horizontal plane knowledge about the development of institutions and organizations that students gain in H2 prepares for the courses History of humanism and Humanitarian practices. H2 also builds on the important insights that students gained through participating in B2-HUM4 Ethics and B1-ZIN2 Philosophy in Humanistic Studies especially when it comes to reflection on the criteria that a humane society must meet, up-to-date knowledge of philosophy and ethics very important.
Format
The lectures provide, where possible supported by audio-visual materials, an introduction to the themes and reading material. During the working groups these themes and reading material is discussed more in-depth. Students have an active role in these workshops: students have to present on issues related to the central themes, discuss the literature, and provide each other with feedback on their writing in progress.