In the past, the following courses are offered by the Romani Studies Program to MA and PhD student. The courses can be taken within the framework of the Advanced Certificate Program or simply as elective courses (outside of the certificate program).
RSP5066 Patterns of exclusion, dilemmas of inclusion: Roma policies and politics in the 21st century (Credits: 2; Instructor: Marton Rovid) Details: see - Syllabus
The aim of this course is to introduce students to various forms of social exclusion Roma face in the 21st century, and the dilemmas policy-makers, NGOs and activists encounter when promoting the equality of Roma. The course is composed of three parts. First, the debates on ‘Who are the Roma?’ are discussed. Shall the ‘Roma’ be seen as a non-territorial nation, the biggest European minority or as a label referring to diverse ethnic groups or a socio-ethnic class? Theoretical questions of labelling, group-making and self-determination are examined in view of the case of Roma. The second part discusses the various patterns of exclusion Roma face (in the fields of education, labour market and residence). Debates on the relation between recognition and redistribution, as well as ethnicity and poverty are studied. Furthermore, the applicability of the analytical category of ‘underclass’ to case of Roma is examined. The third part of the course analyses the role of various actors and the dilemmas they face when promoting the participation, equality, and inclusion of Roma. The foremost theories of multiculturalism and the main forms of political autonomy are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the role of NGOs and international organizations in the codification, spread and acceptance of norms in relation to Roma. The challenges and shortcomings of Roma inclusion policies and National Roma Integration Strategies are discussed in depth. The course ends by reflecting on how to tackle enduring form of injustice.
RSP5061 Critical Approaches to Romani Studies (Credits: 4; Instructors: Marton Rovid) Details: see - Syllabus
The course aims to re-envision Romani Studies through a critical lens and discuss further possibility to use new theoretical frameworks such as gender, critical race, and post-colonial theories to understand the situation of Roma in the context of changing social, economic, cultural, and political landscapes in Europe. Students will discuss concepts and arguments from the orientalist folklorist via anthropological and sociological studies and engage with emancipatory scholarship.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, student should be able to:
- understand key concepts and approaches in Romani studies
- form theoretically and historically grounded understanding of the main ways in which anti-Romani racism operate
- critically reflect upon academic and policy papers on Romani people
- present coherent arguments in both oral and written forms in English
RSP5065 Race, justice, solidarity: addressing anti-Roma racism in contemporary Europe (Credits: 2; Instructor: Marton Rovid) Details: see - Syllabus
The growing literature on racial justice in the field of political theory usually tracks the legacy of colonialism and imperialism, white settlement and African slavery, that systematically privileges ‘whites’ globally, and that needs to be ‘repaired’. The moral grounding and forms of reparations are highly debated not only in academia but in countless political fora. However, both academic and political debates have largely taken place in post-colonial contexts and ignored the enduring forms of injustice Romani peoples face.
In the course we are going to assess the relevance of normative debates around racial justice for the case of Roma in two steps. First, arguments on the forms, desirability, and feasibility of reparations are reviewed. Some scholars distinguish remembrance, reconciliation, restorative justice, and reparations. The United Nations distinguishes five forms of reparations: restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. We discuss the relation between racial justice and democratic solidarity. Second, contemporary academic and political debates on anti-gypsyism are assessed in light of the literature on racial justice. To what extent and under what conditions can social and education policies remedy enduring racial injustice? What is the relation between social inclusion and tackling anti-gypsyism? Who and on what grounds can demand racial justice on behalf of Roma? Who have benefited from the exploitation of Roma and who bear responsibility for past and present forms of oppression? What are the responsibilities of so-called post-socialist states, churches, companies, settlements? To what extent is it desirable and feasible to tackle white privilege in Eastern Europe?
LE/RS5172 Critical Race Theory: Race and Law from the United States to Europe
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Student experiences with our general MA level courses:
Celine Cojocar, Sciences Po Paris and Freie Universität Berlin, double BA in Studies European Affairs - Social Policy and Innovation
The courses are perfect for everyone, who wants to discuss questions of race, identity, and social justice in the European context, but also for anyone who is interested in learning more about rather unknown history or the development of current societal structures and power dynamics.
Francesca Nicolodi, Bard College Berlin, Humanities, the Arts and Social Thought BA:
Thanks to the classes “Sociological Approaches to Romani Studies” (fall term) and "Critical Approaches to Romani Studies" (spring term), I met other young Roma students and professors who were as passionate as I was to learn more and use our studies to change the living conditions of Romani people.
To learn more about Francesca's experiences, visit:
https://romanistudies.ceu.edu/article/2022-02-04/preparing-future-career