Degree programme MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism€¦ · Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Postboks 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway. Phone +47 32 86 95 00 E-mail address:

MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism

Buskerud and Vestfold University College

Faculty of Humanities and Education

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Degree programme


Year 2014 – 2016


Buskerud and Vestfold

University College, Postboks 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway. Phone +47 32 86 95 00 E-mail address: [email protected]

Document history Template version 1.0: 16th of April 2007

Date Sign Editions

March 8,2012 HSS/BAF

March 11, 2014

HB/HSS

24. August 2014

LL

mailto:[email protected]




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Table of Contents

GENERAL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 3

LEARNING OUTCOME .......................................................................................................... 4

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 5

QUALIFICATION AWARDED ............................................................................................... 6

ACCESS TO FURTHER STUDIES ........................................................................................ 6

LEARNING STRATEGY .......................................................................................................... 7

COURSE STRUCTURE, ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION ......................................... 7

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS .......................................................................................... 11

ECTS DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATOR ........................................................................ 12

INFORMATION SKILLS ....................................................................................................... 12




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General description In combining the areas of human rights and multiculturalism, this MSc is unique in Europe

1.

While a pure human rights discourse will emphasize rules, rights, norms that apply (more or

less) universally assisted by institutions for monitoring and assessment, a pure

multiculturalism discourse will focus on culture(s), complexity in culture, a host of exceptions

and the interpretation of various cultural practises in society. However, it is when these

discourses are brought together that the debate gets highly complicated and the easy answers

seem hard to find. Individuals have rights and cultures should not be oppressed. There is no

quick fix regarding how to reconcile such claims. The processes of globalisation, migration

and Western secularisation contributed in making the many questions related to human rights

and multiculturalism even more important and relevant. Civil wars and challenges of state-

and nation-building in the world may also be addressed and explained by knowledge about

the relation between human rights issues and multicultural challenges. This relation is also

important regarding issues at micro levels, such as a local community in for example

Scandinavia and the schools there. The MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism offers an

interdisciplinary higher education in human rights and multiculturalism for teachers with

specialisation within the social sciences and others with a BA (or the equivalent of a BA)

containing at least 90 ECTS studies within the social sciences. The student will attain good

analytical skills in issues related to human rights and multiculturalism both at the micro- and

macro levels, applying methods ranging from social science research to education and

hermeneutics. The program pursues an interdisciplinary approach to human rights and

multiculturalism, mainly building on humanities and social and political sciences. The courses

will be continually be reviewed and developed in response to the furtherance of the Faculty

of Humanities and Education at HBV. The curriculum of the degree programme is based on

strengths in research and development and the expertise of staff within the disciplines of

religious studies, political science, philosophy, international law, education and social

anthropology.

The MSc in human Rights and multiculturalism seeks to develop:

1 No other post graduate degree available in Europe emphasizing the combination of the areas of human rights

and multiculturalism.




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- The research and analytical skills of the students;

- The students’ capacity to identify and handle issues and problems of human rights in

contexts and situations of multicultural diversity;

- The students’ practical skills with regard to scientific writing and scholarly work.

An MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism will meet a need for students who aim to

pursue a research career in this field, as well as professionals (teachers and others) who want

to enhance their level of knowledge and competence. The students will be qualified to work in

various branches of public administration, education, media and in NGOs, private

corporations and consulting agencies. The Master is also designed to give the student a

foundation in the knowledge, skills and understanding that is necessary to pursue a higher

degree and to follow an academic career in relevant disciplines. Persons with a BA majoring

within the social sciences as well as teachers often need a master degree for qualifying for

jobs as senior advisers, lecturers and various specialised positions in public administration and

private consulting agencies. On completion, students will have acquired knowledge,

understanding and skills needed to follow a research based career, including a career as an

academic researcher. Combining the approaches of the humanities, social sciences and

international law the student will receive experience with interdisciplinary research. Students

will gain an enhanced and more in-depth knowledge in culture theory relevant to human

rights and multiculturalism, as well as the human rights and multiculturalism issues in the

implementation of national policies. The MSc program also includes a mandatory module in

research methodology with research ethics. Key discourses of human rights, theories of

culture, multiculturalism, philosophy of science, and pedagogy are addressed in the

introductory module. The elective courses offer the student possibilities to approach issues of

human rights and multiculturalism from the various perspectives of political science, law,

pedagogy or philosophy, or a mix of these according to the interests and needs of the student.

Learning Outcomes After completion of the MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism the student shall be able

to:

Demonstrate sound ethical attitudes in his/her performance of work;




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Explain in depth relationship between human rights and multiculturalism with respect

to theories, discourses, contexts of actors, organizations, and mechanisms between

actors;

Demonstrate good understanding of the fundamental subjects relevant for the

specialization chosen by the student (Specialization in social

sciences/humanities/educational sciences);

Demonstrate understanding of some core basic subjects relevant for the opposite

specialization to the one chosen by the student;

Analyze complex cases/topics, in human rights and multiculturalism, relevant for the

corresponding specialization as chosen by the student;

Demonstrate good in-depth knowledge with respect to important theories and

challenges pertaining to human rights;

Demonstrate good in-depth knowledge of theories, issues and policies concerning

multiculturalism;

Demonstrate ability in combining knowledge and skills from various disciplines in

solving complex tasks;

Interact constructively and interdisciplinary with others in analyzing complex issues

relating to human rights and multiculturalism

Admission requirements Educational background required for admission:

A Bachelors degree (or the equivalent) - based on no less than 3 years of study beyond the

Norwegian matriculation level - with 90 ECTS studies within the social sciences2, and the

applicant should preferably have insight and interest for human rights and multicultural

issues3. International students who are in doubt whether specific courses are acknowledged as

2 This includes a degree in teacher education (or equivalent) with at least 90 ECTS in social science as well as a

bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least 90 ECTS social science. For further questions please contact the admission office: [email protected].

3 The following regards applicants of Norway: Students who have completed the continuing education course in

‘Human rights, multicultural understanding and conflict management’ (60 ECTS) at HBV, need to complete these courses (or the equivalent) in order to qualify for admission: 7.5 to 10 ECTS Scientific approaches and history of social sciences, 10 ECTS History of Philosophy with ethics (ex.phil.) as well as 10 to 15 ECTS Social science methodology and statistics. For further questions please contact the admission office: [email protected].






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within the social sciences should contact HBV at [email protected]. The average grade for

the subjects included in the disciplinary basis must be C or better. Overseas applications will

be considered on an individual basis. See Appendix 2C for specification of admission

requirements.

Language proficiency

A good command of English is required of all students attending the MSc program. English

proficiency requirement for students with diplomas from the upper secondary school in

Norway is knowledge of the English language on a level to Norwegian upper secondary

school examinations. International students who are not native speakers of English must

document their proficiency in English by taking one of the following internationally

recognised tests:

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

IELTS - International English Language Testing Service

Applicants to the program must obtain a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 213

(computer-based) or 80 (internet-based) on the TOEFL test, or a minimum score of 6.0 from

the IELTS (academic) test. Students should arrange to have their score sent directly to HBV.

Qualification awarded Qualification awarded:

Master of Science in Human Rights and Multiculturalism

Access to further studies A person holding the degree of Master of Science in Human Rights and Multiculturalism

should view his/her qualification for Ph.D. programs in Norway and abroad as dependent on

his/her master thesis and the selection of courses in the master program. The theoretical and

methodological approach of the individual master thesis will show whether a student belongs

to the discipline of political science, science of education, international law, philosophy,

sociology, social anthropology or studies in religion. A master of science who is planning

further studies should apply for a Ph.D. program that is scientifically close to his/her

individual master thesis in Human Rights and Multiculturalism.





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Learning Strategy Teaching and working methods have basis in a contemporary learning environment, which

facilitates the students’ access to knowledge through traditional teaching, lectures courses,

tutorials and workshops as well as e-learning. Students will be expected to participate in

tutorials and seminars in person, as well as online discussions to develop understanding,

reflection and maturity. The responsibility of acquiring necessary knowledge at the

appropriate levels of the programme rests with the student alone, and it is expected that the

student is able to work independently as well as in groups with other students. The teaching

methods will vary depending on the individual modules within the programme. The students

will have a personal supervisor for the thesis work. Students will learn to search for and

examine critically scientific publications. Coursework will be part of the teaching approach

and methodology. The responsibility of choosing relevant literature will increase as the

student progresses throughout the programme. Relevant literature within each module will be

evaluated and updated continually.

Course structure, assessment and examination The program offers admission to 25 to 30 students every second year. The program is run at

HBV’s campus in Drammen, Papirbredden. The MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism

is a postgraduate programme of 120 ECTS. In addition to a master thesis of 40 ECTS the

programme consists of five mandatory modules (see figures below) and four elective modules

(of which the student chooses three). The program starts with an introductory module

(MHUM500 of 7,5 ECTS) - with mandatory attendance - consisting of lectures, seminars and

discussions on discourses of human rights/theories of culture/ theories of science. The next

three modules- MHUMA600 (7,5 ECTS), MHUMB601 (10 ECTS) and MHUMC602 (5

ECTS) are all mandatory courses, totalling 22,5 ECTS.

The second semester students start the mandatory course in research methodology and thesis

development (module MHUMJ801, 10 ECTS). This course has three lecture sessions,

consisting of one week in first half of the second semester, one week in the end of that

semester, and two weeks at the beginning of the third semester. In addition to the mandatory




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course students also study three elective courses (each 10 ECTS) in the second semester:

MHUMD700, MHUMF702 and MHUMG703. MHUME701 is not offered spring 2015.

In the second year of the programme (third semester), students finish the course in research

methodology and thesis development (module MHUMJ801) and one mandatory course

module MHUMH800 (10 ECTS). The remainder of the second year will be devoted to the

thesis, MHUMK900.

The program is structured in three main groups of modules:

Five mandatory courses (50 ECTS) will establish a common platform for the students,

including courses that are essential both for students with a background in teacher education

and in social science studies.

The elective phase (30 credits) where the students may choose to emphasize courses close to

political science: MHUME701 (not offered spring 2015) and MHUMF702, or select courses

closer to humanities, education and pedagogy (MHUMD700, MHUMG703), or a

combination of these.

The master theses (MHUMK900 of 40 ECTS) is a scholarly work and research that builds on

the courses students have completed. The thesis will reflect the student’s ambitions and

intellectual interests in relation to Human Rights and Multiculturalism. The following table

shows the different modules in the program.




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Table 1 – Structure M.Sc. in Human Rights and Multiculturalism (120 ECTS)

*Students must complete and pass at least three (3) of the elective courses that run through the second semester.

Year 1 Year 2

1st semester 2

nd semester 3

rd semester 4

th semester

Four mandatory courses Students choose three of four elective courses + Two week

mandatory course consisting of

one week in the first half of January and one in middle June

(MHUMJ801-Part I &II)

Two mandatory courses + thesis Thesis

MHUM500 Introduction to human rights and cultural

diversity (7,5 ECTS)

MHUMJ801 (Part I) Research methodology and thesis

development

MHUMH800 The Philosophy of Human rights – ethical and

professional perspectives

(10 ECTS)

MHUMK900 Master thesis in

human rights and

multiculturalism (continued) (40 ECTS) MHUMA600 Human rights and

other value systems

(7,5 ECTS)

MHUMD700 Theories of

culture: advanced course

(10 ECTS)

MHUMJ801 (Part III) Research

methodology and thesis

development (10 ECTS) MHUMB601 Ethnic integration

or accommodation –

implementation of national polices (10 ECTS)

MHUME701 Variation in Human Rights respect across

states (10 ECTS) NB: not

offered Spring 2015.

MHUMK900 Master thesis in

human rights and

multiculturalism (40 ECTS) MHUMG703 Human Rights

education and diversity

(10 ECTS) MHUMC602 The politics of recognition (5 ECTS)

MHUMF702 Human Rights and multiculturalism in

international institutions and

relations (10 ECTS) MHUMJ801 (Part II) Research

methodology and thesis

development

Assessment methods will vary depending on module and course, and will be specified in the

individual course syllabuses (Appendix 2B). Report No. 27 (2000 –2001) on Quality reform

and higher education1 from the Ministry of Education and Research forms the basis for the

learning environment at HBV. Evaluation and grading is based on individual performance in

all courses. The grading scale is from A to F. The details of the evaluation method and

duration are given in each course specification. If the evaluation connected with a module

consists of two or more examinations, papers or the like, the percentage of each part is

specified. In such cases the student must pass all parts in order to receive credits for the

module. Compulsory work, exercises and assignments must be approved before the student

can take his final examination in a course.

The MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism uses three main examination and assessment

models:

X: Required individual work will be consisting of course attendance and individual work

described in the course description (for example a brief written test by the end of the course




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[pass or fail]). The graded exam will be an individual essay authored under supervision and

with a topic that must be pre-approved.

Y: Required individual work consists of course attendance and an essay/paper that meets the

requirements stated in the course description. The grade will be based on an oral exam and the

written work.

Z: Required individual work consists of course attendance and individual work described in

the course description. The graded exam will be a written test (written exam) at the premises

of the university college.

The use of model Z will stimulate the students to acquire command of the literature in the

course syllabus as well as measuring their ability to do a fast written analysis. Model Y will

stimulate the students to partake in intellectual discussions. The use of model X shall further

the skills in individual scholarly writing and thorough analysis. Through the programme the

students will be acquainted with all of these models, thus gaining experience in various forms

of intellectual work.

Table 2 – Assessment in each course 1ST SEMESTER Course ECTS credits Assessment Assessment scale

MHUM500 7,5 Model Z A - F

MHUMA600 7,5 Model X A - F

MHUMB601 10 Model Y A - F

MHUMC602 5 Model Z A - F 2ND SEMESTER Course ECTS credits Assessment Assessment scale

MHUMD700 10 Model X A - F

MHUME701 10 Model X A - F

MHUMG703 10 Model X A - F

MHUMF702 10 Model Y A - F

MHUMJ801 (assessment later) A - F 3RD SEMESTER Course ECTS credits Assessment Assessment scale

MHUMJ801 10 Model X A - F

MHUMH800 10 Model X A - F

MHUMK900 (assessment later) A - F 4TH SEMESTER Course ECTS credits Assessment Assessment scale

MHUMK900 40 Master Thesis A – F

Examination and assessment regulations

The rules and regulations regarding examinations and assessment can be found at:

http://www.hbv.no/for-ansatte/studieadministrativ-informasjon/forskrifter-og-regler/

http://www.hbv.no/for-ansatte/studieadministrativ-informasjon/forskrifter-og-regler/




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Grading scale:

International exchange The Faculty of Humanities and Education collaborates with several international universities

regarding student exchange. Through these agreements students from HBV have the

opportunity to study abroad during their degree. The most suitable time for students to study

abroad would be the second semester of the program. Thus, master students spending that

semester abroad would replace the 30 ECTS elective courses offered at HBV (MHUMD700,

MHUMF702 and MHUMG703) by other relevant courses at master level. The student must

seek pre-approval with the program coordinator at HBV, of courses taken at another

institution if they are to be counted as part of the MSc program at HBV. Courses completed at

another institution must also be in conformity with the educational and professional goals of

the MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism at HBV. Such courses will need to be at

Symbol Description General, qualitative description of valuation criteria

A Excellent

An excellent performance, clearly outstanding. The candidate

demonstrates excellent judgment and a high degree of independent

thinking.

B Very good A very good performance. The candidate demonstrates sound

judgment and a very good degree of independent thinking.

C Good

A good performance in most areas. The candidate demonstrates a

reasonable degree of judgment and independent thinking in the

most important areas.

D Satisfactory

A satisfactory performance, but with significant shortcomings. The

candidate demonstrates a limited degree of judgment and

independent thinking.

E Sufficient

A performance that meets the minimum criteria, but no more. The

candidate demonstrates a very limited degree of judgment and


F Fail

A performance that does not meet the minimum academic criteria.

The candidate demonstrates an absence of both judgment and





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master (or PhD) level and they should not overlap with the contents of the mandatory courses

(MHUM500, MHUMA600, MHUMB601, MHUMC602, MHUMH800, MHUMJ801) in this

MSc programme. HBV will also actively recruit students from the Quota Scheme to this

program.

ECTS departmental coordinator This will be performed by the program managers and the administrative staff at campus

Drammen, HBV.

Information skills During the first week students are introduced to student services (computer services, library

services, social services, student life, etc.). The thesis will be the main component of the

second year of the program, and the writing of the thesis will give the students in-depth

understanding of issues concerning human rights and multiculturalism. It will also give the

students experience with organising and managing an academic research project. They will

also learn how to critically review literature, and develop oral and written presentation skills.

Documents

Degree programme MSc in Human Rights and Multiculturalism€¦ · Buskerud and Vestfold University College, Postboks 235, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway. Phone +47 32 86 95 00 E-mail address: