09.050.613 Digital Geography "(in)equality and social justice"

Course offering details

Instructors: Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad

Event type: Seminar

Displayed in timetable as: M5-MA S

Hours per week: 2

Language of instruction: Englisch

Min. | Max. participants: - | 15

Priority scheme: Senatsrichtlinie

Contents:
Course description:
The moral basis of a just society lies in the doctrine of human rights as well as the “social contract” that stands as an agreement of cooperation for the advancement of individuals in society as stated by scholars such as Hobbes and Rousseau. Yet, individuals from minority groups saliently suffer systematic discrimination, exclusion, inequalities, xenophobia and racism in various aspects of life and society. This reality is highly harmful to their wellbeing, quality of life, human rights and freedom. Improving this situation entails the redistribution of resources in society as proposed by John Rawls’ theory of distributive justice and Isaiah Berlin’ approach of positive liberties.

Indeed, in the 21st century digital resources are increasingly becoming some of the most important resources for individuals in society. In this course we will examine the relationships between human geography, inequalities and social justice, and the digital sphere with a particular emphasis on marginalized communities in Germany and around the world. The course will discuss different theoretical approaches such as the 'capabilities approach' as well as leading empirical studies to better understand what is and what should be in a just digital society. 

Recommended reading list:
Shomron, B. & Schejter, A. (2021). Palestinian-Israeli’s voice in Israeli media as capability. Israel Studies in Language and Society, 14(1), 258-279.

Shomron, B. (2021). The capability ‘to be secure’: Media coverage of African asylum seekers during Covid-19 in Israel. Journal of Refugee Studies. doi.org/10.1093/jrs/feaa131 and PMCID: PMC7928720

Shomron, B. & Schejter, A. (2020). Diversity in broadcasting as an enabler of capabilities: The case of Palestinian-Israeli women on public and commercial radio and television. Feminist Media Studies. doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2020.1804978

Shomron, B. & Tirosh, N. (2020). Contemporary Migrants and Media Capabilities – Understanding Communication Rights in International Migration Policies. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2020.1758553 

Digital teaching:
The course is planned as a face-to-face event.

Appointments
Date From To Room Instructors
1 Fri, 3. Jun. 2022 10:00 17:00 02 123 N 217a Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad
2 Sat, 4. Jun. 2022 10:00 17:00 02 123 N 217a Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad
3 Fri, 15. Jul. 2022 10:00 17:00 02 123 N 217a Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad
4 Sat, 16. Jul. 2022 10:00 17:00 02 123 N 217a Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad
Course specific exams
Description Date Instructors Mandatory
1. Course Assessment Tue, 2. Aug. 2022 10:00-11:30 Baruch Shomron; Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad No
Class session overview
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Instructors
Dr. Elisabeth Sommerlad
Baruch Shomron