This module is based on the premise that our diverse Dutch society and all fields where Humanistic practitioners work, are profoundly affected by globalization processes. The module explores philosophical, historical and social theoretical views pertaining to cultural and religious aspirations, social imaginaries, pluralism, social and ecological justice in a globalizing world and connects these to (a) transdisciplinary perspectives in Humanistic Studies and (b) experiences within existing and newly emerging Humanistic professional practices. The notion of ‘pluralism’ is a central focus in this module. Building on the concepts of social imaginaries (Taylor, 2007), ‘the capacity to aspire’ (Appadurai, 2004) and ‘epistemic (in)justice (Fricker, 2007) we examine pluralism from three interrelated perspectives: (1) worldview perspectives which focus on new meanings and manifestations of secularity, against the backdrop of the evolving relationship between Humanism and religion; (2) social-political perspectives which focus on the impact of globalization on (a) tensions and inequalities in society with special attention to racism and decoloniality; (b) the influence of rapidly developing technologies and (3) ecological perspectives and living n the Anthropocene. The core question in this module is: How do globalization processes affect aspirations for a meaningful life in a humane, caring and sustainable society, and how can Humanistic professionals address these aspirations as normative professionals? In addition to studying academic texts, this module also draws on social media, films, art and novels as imaginative sources of knowledge.
After successful completion of the course M3-HUM4 Humanistic Practices in a Globalizing World, students are able to:
1. Critically reflect on how processes of meaning-making and humanization are challenged in pluri-cultural environments (learning outcomes 2b, 3a).
2. Analyse contemporary social-political contexts in which humanistic practices develop by drawing on relevant philosophical – and social theory (learning outcomes 1a, 2b).
3. Substantiate their own point of view on why and how humanistic practices are subject to change in a globalizing world (learning outcomes 3a, 4a, 4b).
4. Integrate prior knowledge and skills (Master 1 and 2) in their assessment of current professional challenges within existing and newly emerging humanistic practices (learning outcomes 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a, 5a).
Creatively and succinctly share emerging professional insights with other (aspirant) humanistic proessionals (learning outcomes 4a, 5a).
World View-, Academic and Professional EducationThis course integrates elements of World View- , Academic - and Professional curriculum tracks.
Brief explanation of cohesion with other coursesThis course offers (1) a synthesising culmination of prior obtained knowledge and skills with regard to World Views, Professionalism (particularly the internship) and Research; and (2) a bridge to Professional Practices
FormatLectures, dialogue sessions using film, social media and presentations of group assignments
Relation between theory and practiceThis course bridges academic study and professional practices
Relation between education and researchThis course explicitly involves recent academic research findings (published and/or submitted journal articles) by UvH researchers.
Opportunity for specialisationBased on their prior curriculum choices and their internship experiences, all students opt for one of the existing professional Humanistic working fields (Care, Education, Organisation, Research) or focus on (possibly) newly emerging professional fields where Humanistic Studies graduates could work (e.g. Media, sustainable development, Arts and Culture). Through a group assignment, students meaningfully connect their knowledge about globalization processes with their chosen practice.