After this course you can
- divide roles and duties within a team and work together constructively,
- identify and define the relevant categories of difference for the organisation you work with,
- translate a social question into a project plan (including research),
- present the outcomes of the (research) project (e.g. your inclusiveness scan) in a clear and socially relevant way,
- reflect on the group and research process.
|
|
The think tank is a course that lets you explore a social issue related to gender and/or other forms of diversity.
In this think tank, you will help an organisation assess and/or improve their diversity, inclusiveness and equity. One form this might take is an "inclusiveness scan". The purpose of this scan is to find out how the organisation includes and excludes groups in representation and communication both internally and externally. Mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion can be the result of all kinds of dynamics, such as gender, racialisation, age, literacy, religion, sexuality and level of education / income. Every "us" creates a "them".
Important to keep in mind will be the more specific question whether the organisation’s representation, history and communication match the organisation’s mission and target group(s). Absolute inclusiveness does not exist. For instance, it is no problem for NEC if Arnhemmers do not feel at home there. Consequently, the inclusiveness scan focuses on as many dynamics that are relevant for the organisation as possible.
The following questions are central: how do inclusion and exclusion take place in the organisation’s communication and representation (in both meanings of that word), and how are inclusion and exclusion anchored in the history of the organisation and the stories the organisation tells about itself?
Part of the think tank assignment may also be to contribute to information provision or practical interventions leading to enduring change.
Some examples of specific challenges that may arise in organisations:
• How can we (international company) develop a (language) policy which does justice to our multilingual and intercultural staff?
• How can our school adjust extracurricular activities to the different cultural backgrounds of our students?
• How can our municipal swimming pool encourage swimmers of any religious affiliation?
• How can our football club attract more members from a wider variety of groups, for example women and the elderly?
About the think tank
In this course you will work in interdisciplinary groups, coached by a lecturer. The approach is similar to how project-based research is conducted in consultancy. In the think tank, you will use the knowledge and skills you have gained in your degree and the other courses of the minor and expand these further by learning from each other while working on the project. This will enable you to develop competencies for your professional future.
The combination of research, reflection, and practice is the key element of the think tank.
Are you considering an individual (research) internship instead of a think tank? Please make sure to take all the actions necessary on time (e.g. submit your request to the examination board). More information can be found in the minor guide.
|
 |
|
|
LET-LETMI-TH08 - Theme course: Gender and Diversity: A World of Difference
You should register for this course in December, also if you do not yet meet the entry requirement (passed theme course) at the time you register for the think tank.
If you want to do an individual internship instead of the think tank, submit your request to the examination board before the Christmas holidays.
|
|
|
|