Who are “we”? Who am “I”? Why is the “Other” constructed as other, and on what grounds? Do we have a single, stable identity, or multiple, situational ones? And, most importantly, is the category of “identity” still analytically useful in the age of “superdiversity,” a term coined by sociologist Steven Vertovec? This course introduces anthropological and social theory approaches to identity and subjectivity, focusing on how identities are constructed, conceptualized, debated, employed, and mobilized in different social, cultural, and political contexts. Instead of taking identity as a self-evident category, the course approaches “identity” as a problem for analysis, asking what the concept of identity allows us to understand, what it may obscure, and with what implications.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
Who are “we”? Who am “I”? Why is the “Other” constructed as other, and on what grounds? Do we have a single, stable identity, or multiple, situational ones? And, most importantly, is the category of “identity” still analytically useful in the age of “superdiversity,” a term coined by sociologist Steven Vertovec? This course introduces anthropological and social theory approaches to identity and subjectivity, focusing on how identities are constructed, conceptualized, debated, employed, and mobilized in different social, cultural, and political contexts. Instead of taking identity as a self-evident category, the course approaches “identity” as a problem for analysis, asking what the concept of identity allows us to understand, what it may obscure, and with what implications.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
Cíl předmětu -
The aim of this course is to introduce students to diverse approaches to identity and subjectivity, and to enable them to critically and reflexively engage with how identities are conceptualized, constructed, enacted, and mobilized in different social contexts, with attention to contemporary debates on intersectionality, diversity, belonging, hybridity, power, and identity politics.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to diverse approaches to identity and subjectivity, and to enable them to critically and reflexively engage with how identities are conceptualized, constructed, enacted, and mobilized in different social contexts, with attention to contemporary debates on intersectionality, diversity, belonging, hybridity, power, and identity politics.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
Deskriptory -
In this class, we will follow a “no laptop, tablet, or phone” rule. Recent research suggests that using electronic devices during the learning process can reduce students’ ability to fully engage in class, increase distractions, and make it more difficult to process information. Additionally, handwriting stimulates neural circuits more effectively than typing and activates broader cognitive functions. That said, if you have specific learning needs that require the use of electronic devices, please feel free to email me before the course begins so we can make sure you are fully supported.
In this class, we will strive to use inclusive and respectful language. If the name or pronouns listed for you in SIS do not reflect how you would like to be addressed, please feel free to email me ahead of time.
Use of AI: You are free to use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) for preparatory tasks in this class, particularly for brainstorming, testing ideas, studying with a “study buddy,” or searching for relevant and helpful supporting literature. However, I strongly recommend 2 that you first engage thoroughly with the texts and other study materials on your own and use AI only to support your personal learning process. Otherwise, relying too heavily on AI may result in superficial understanding, which will be reflected in your in-class mini tests, during class discussions, and in the final oral exam. Make sure to double-check any answers or suggestions provided by AI. Challenge it and challenge yourself.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
In this class, we will follow a “no laptop, tablet, or phone” rule. Recent research suggests that using electronic devices during the learning process can reduce students’ ability to fully engage in class, increase distractions, and make it more difficult to process information. Additionally, handwriting stimulates neural circuits more effectively than typing and activates broader cognitive functions. That said, if you have specific learning needs that require the use of electronic devices, please feel free to email me before the course begins so we can make sure you are fully supported.
In this class, we will strive to use inclusive and respectful language. If the name or pronouns listed for you in SIS do not reflect how you would like to be addressed, please feel free to email me ahead of time.
Use of AI: You are free to use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) for preparatory tasks in this class, particularly for brainstorming, testing ideas, studying with a “study buddy,” or searching for relevant and helpful supporting literature. However, I strongly recommend 2 that you first engage thoroughly with the texts and other study materials on your own and use AI only to support your personal learning process. Otherwise, relying too heavily on AI may result in superficial understanding, which will be reflected in your in-class mini tests, during class discussions, and in the final oral exam. Make sure to double-check any answers or suggestions provided by AI. Challenge it and challenge yourself.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
Podmínky zakončení předmětu -
COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance: You are expected to attend classes regularly. More than two unexcused absences may result in failing the course. If more than two excused absences occur, you will be required to complete additional work to compensate for missed classes and to ensure fairness to all students.
Active participation: You are expected to actively participate in class, complete the assigned readings in advance, and engage in class discussions. Please come prepared so that we can enjoy the class together.
Mini tests: Starting in Week 2, we will have a 10–15 minute mini test at the end of each class. The questions are designed to support your independent, critical, and reflexive thinking rather than to test memorization. I am interested in how you think with and through the concepts we will discuss. The mini tests will also help you review key ideas from class, see concepts as tools rather than fixed truths, and consolidate your understanding of the materials.
Final oral exam: The final oral exam will be conducted in small student groups as a debate. You will collectively present, discuss, and critically engage with the key concepts, ideas, approaches, and materials from the course. I will provide detailed information about this format in advance so that you know what to expect.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
The final grade for the course is based on 100 points (100%), distributed across the following components:
Regular Attendance and Active Participation – 20 points (20%)
Mini Tests – 30 points (30%).
There will be a total of 10 mini tests during the semester. Each mini test is graded on a simple three-level scale: full credit (3 points), partial credit (1.5 points), or no credit (0 points). Full credit is awarded for answers that show active engagement with the question and a meaningful attempt to think through the relevant concepts. Partial credit is given for answers that remain very brief or mechanical. No credit is given for extremely minimal responses or missing submissions.
Final Oral Exam (Group Debate) – 50 points (50%) A detailed grading scale will be provided at the beginning of the course.
A detailed grading scale will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance: You are expected to attend classes regularly. More than two unexcused absences may result in failing the course. If more than two excused absences occur, you will be required to complete additional work to compensate for missed classes and to ensure fairness to all students.
Active participation: You are expected to actively participate in class, complete the assigned readings in advance, and engage in class discussions. Please come prepared so that we can enjoy the class together.
Mini tests: Starting in Week 2, we will have a 10–15 minute mini test at the end of each class. The questions are designed to support your independent, critical, and reflexive thinking rather than to test memorization. I am interested in how you think with and through the concepts we will discuss. The mini tests will also help you review key ideas from class, see concepts as tools rather than fixed truths, and consolidate your understanding of the materials.
Final oral exam: The final oral exam will be conducted in small student groups as a debate. You will collectively present, discuss, and critically engage with the key concepts, ideas, approaches, and materials from the course. I will provide detailed information about this format in advance so that you know what to expect.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
The final grade for the course is based on 100 points (100%), distributed across the following components:
Regular Attendance and Active Participation – 20 points (20%)
Mini Tests – 30 points (30%).
There will be a total of 10 mini tests during the semester. Each mini test is graded on a simple three-level scale: full credit (3 points), partial credit (1.5 points), or no credit (0 points). Full credit is awarded for answers that show active engagement with the question and a meaningful attempt to think through the relevant concepts. Partial credit is given for answers that remain very brief or mechanical. No credit is given for extremely minimal responses or missing submissions.
Final Oral Exam (Group Debate) – 50 points (50%) A detailed grading scale will be provided at the beginning of the course.
A detailed grading scale will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
Metody výuky -
The course combines lectures, group discussions of assigned readings, and short reflexive writing exercises.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
The course combines lectures, group discussions of assigned readings, and short reflexive writing exercises.
Poslední úprava: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (12.01.2026)
