Course description

The course reacts to the challenges in the Visegrad region posed by the current development in social issues such as migration, minority rights, unemployment or marginalization of ethnic minorities. It introduces the concept of social inclusion and opens discussion on a variety of its interpretations and applications. The course aims to connect theory with practice and offer insights into the areas where principles of social inclusion are applied. Moreover, the course aims to provide an opportunity for students to meet the practitioners dealing with social inclusion as a part of their professional career, inside, but also outside of academic setting.

The format of the course includes an introductory theoretical lecture, a series of thematic seminars led by external lecturers with expertise on social inclusion in the fields of education, public policy, employment, public space and social innovation, a methodology seminar, and field trips to selected institutions in Brno and Budapest. The course builds on interactive teaching and active contribution of all partakers, the lecturers, but also students themselves.

Course objectives

To expose students to key theoretical concepts and debates about social inclusion and related sociological concepts.
To introduce a variety of fields within which social inclusion is discussed, to show practical implications of inclusive approaches and to touch upon emerging problematic issues related to its application.
To discuss the good practices with theoreticians and practitioners from Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic.
To prepare students for writing research proposals and give them a chance to design (and eventually also conduct) their own research in relation to social inclusion.
To provide guidance in writing blog contribution and create a space for public engagement.
To offer contacts on different institutions researching or actively promoting social inclusion in the society.
To enhance students' language competence and communication skills in English.

The course is open for enrollment to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students of Sociology and other related fields. The language of instruction is English.