PhD course: Structural Racism: Philosophical, Pedagogical and Sociological Perspectives

Course description

This PhD-level course offers a comprehensive critical examination of structural racism, encompassing its existence, harms, and prospective solutions. By employing philosophical, pedagogical, and sociological perspectives, the course merges theoretical analysis with practical approaches to confront this pervasive social issue.

The course is structured around three main topics, each exploring a distinct aspect of structural racism. The first topic, entitled “Understanding Structural Racism,” delves into the concept’s historical roots, definitions, and entrenchment within social, economic, and political systems. In addition to examining how structural racism perpetuates inequality, the discussion will address the attempts to deny or manipulate its existence and effects in order to hinder social change.

The second topic, “Examining the Impact of Structural Racism,” focuses on the consequences of structural racism, including economic and social exclusion, the expansion of nationalistic ideologies, and the perpetuation of institutional violence. The class will analyze the complex nature of structural racism, particularly in intersection with other forms of oppression, placing a special emphasis on xenophobia. Specific attention will be given to how structural racism operates within the Norwegian context.

The third topic, “Exploring Possibilities for Change,” critically examines practical strategies to shift racist perspectives and address structural racism. The course endeavors to create a space for students to critically reflect on viable theoretical understandings and practical actions necessary to confront this pressing issue. Here too, the Norwegian context will be in focus. Upon completing the course, students will possess comprehension of structural racism within and outside the Norwegian context and will have been exposed to diverse perspectives on the genuine challenges involved in meaningfully combatting it.

Course format

This is a three-day PhD course comprising of lectures, discussions, student presentations, and museum group visits. All days of the course have exclusively allocated time for discussions and brief presentations by the students on topics related to the course and proposed by them in advance.

The first two days of the course shall take place at the University of Oslo, Campus Blindern, in the Seminar Room 2 of Sophus Bugge hus, located at Niels Henrik Abels vei 36. The last day of the course shall take place at The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies, located at the Bygdøy peninsula, Huk aveny 56.

The first day includes an optional guided tour to the exhibition Britta Marakatt-Labba. Moving the Needle at the National Museum, while the last day mainly involves a tour to the exhibition In/Visible: Everyday racism in Norway at the HL-Senter.

It is expected from the students to be present on the three days and to actively participate in the lectures and discussions.

Course schedule

Day 1: June 19^th, 2024

Day 2: June 20^th, 2024

Day 3: June 21^st, 2024

The course schedule and program are also available here.

Examination

Around one month after the course, in order to accrue the course credits, the students must submit one of two possible activities according to their own preference:

• ca. 1.500 – 2.500 words commentary on one of the mandatory readings from the syllabus; or
• ca. 2.500 – 3000 words essay on a topic relevant to the course.

Contributors

Arnfinn Haagensen Midtbøen (Professor at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography/UiO)
Midtbøen’s research centers on immigration, integration and ethnic inequality, including topics such as employment discrimination, citizenship, labor migration, descendants of migrants in education and work, and the history of migration research. Midtbøen combines a range of methods in his research, including field and survey experiments, qualitative interviews, document analysis and traditional surveys.

Kristin Gregers Eriksen (Associate Professor at the Department of Culture, Religion and Social Studies/USN)
Eriksen teaches social studies in teacher education for early childhood, primary and secondary school. Her academic interests and publications include antiracist and citizenship education, indigenous and Sámi perspectives in education, decolonial theory, education for sustainable development, and controversial and emotional topics in school.

Cora Alexa Døving (Researcher at the HL-Senter)
Døving’s research investigates various aspects of majority and minority relations. In recent years, she has studied Muslim hostility, anti-Semitism and racism in Norwegian society.

Anna Cecilia Rapp (Associate Professor at the Institute for Teacher Education/NTNU)
Rapp’s research focuses on school, organization, social inequality, inclusion/exclusion, growing up conditions, physical education and physical activity. She is part of the Nordic Unequal Childhood project, which seeks to counteract the marginalization of children and youth by identifying risks and using research-based knowledge to strengthen education and welfare services in the Nordic countries.

Anabel Corral-Granados (Postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Teacher Education/NTNU; Associate Professor at the Department of Education/UAL)
Corral-Granados’ research explores conceptualizations of inclusion and understanding and implementation of inclusive ways of working with children with disabilities. She is also part of the Nordic Unequal Childhood project.

Organizers

Hugo Ribeiro Mota (PhD candidate at the Department of Philosophy/UiO)
Mota’s research focuses on cases of structural racism in the Americas and Europe, and it considers argumentative and non-argumentative ways to change intrinsically oppressive perspectives in light of recognition theory, standpoint theory, social movement theory, and peace studies.

Sara Blikstad Nyegaard (PhD candidate at the HL-Senter and the Faculty of Educational Sciences/UiO)
Nyegaard’s research is particularly focused on the school's efforts against racism. In the period 2020-2025, she is writing a doctoral thesis on the school's counteraction of racism, with a specific focus on the curriculum, school leadership, and teachers.

Target audience

The course is primarily aimed at PhD level students in philosophy, pedagogy, history of ideas and sociology. Furthermore, PhD students from other areas of the Humanities and Social Sciences interested in the topic will also be welcome.

There is also a possibility for interested masters’ students to apply, but priority will be given for PhD students. Women and minorities, both at MA and PhD levels, are encouraged to apply.

Practical information

• The course is free of charge and includes lunch for the three days, with a special dinner on the last day. Transportation, accommodation, and other meals have to be arranged and financed by the participants.
• The course offers 3 ECTS and will be taught in English.
• Applications must be submitted using the online form available here.
• The application deadline is April 22, 2024. The deadline has passed.
• The application must include a short description of the applicant and their research interests.
• The applicant may also include in their application the title and a short abstract of their work for presentation during the course.
• For further questions, contact Hugo Mota and Sara Nyegaard.