COURSEWARE FOR SOC 310: INTERGROUP RELATIONS 1. COURSE NAME AND CREDITCOURSE: SOC 310: INTERGROUP RELATIONS (2 Credit units, Compulsory) 2. LECTURER DETAILS: Lecturer s Name (surname first): YUSUF, NOAH Qualification: B.Sc.(Hons), M.Sc. Ph.D. (Soc iology) E-mail address: noahsarkplc@yahoo.com Office location: DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY OFFICE BLOCK, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN. Consultation hours: 8.00am 6.00pm 3. COURSE DETAILS: 3.1 Course Content: Nature and dynamics of inter-group transactions, relationship between peoples of different cultures, religions, ethnicities and ideologies with emphasis on plural society. 3.2 Course The course focuses on studying the relationships that exist between people of different races, cultures, ethnicities, religion and ideologies. The discourse on the course will be extended to cover prejudice, discrimination, racism, ethnocentrism, stereotype, selffulfilling prophesies and various patterns of inter-group relations across the globe and analytical discourse on pattern of inter-group relation in pre-colonial, colonial and post colonial Nigeria. Students will be taken round an elaborate evaluation of various theories of inter-group relations. The topics in this course are historical, theoretical and methodological in nature. 3.3 Course Justification: Sociologists study human behaviour in group not only to determine their cooperative and interdependence relationship with one another but also to assess the fundamental ties that bound them together and how these affect their relationship with members within the group and individuals outside the group considered as outsiders. In line with this, it is essential for sociologists in training to acquire the knowledge of inter-group relations in order to be able to give an elaborate analysis of the nature and dynamics of transactions 1
and relationships that exist among human being. Exposing sociologists in training to all these will make them to be sound and effective when they are in service. 3.4 Course At the end of this course, it is expected that students should be able to: Define inter-group relations Identify and explain basic concepts in inter-group relations Analyse the nature and dynamics of intergroup relations Explain stereotype, prejudice, discrimination etc. Differentiate between prejudice and discrimination Differentiate between racism and ethnocentrism Discuss the properties of a group Explain the importance of inter-group relations Explain pattern of inter-group relations Discuss and evaluate theories of inter-group relations Give an elaborate overview of inter-group relations in pre-colonial, colonial and post colonial Nigeria. 3.5 Course Requirements: The course requires active participation and attendance of every student in the classroom. Punctuality and regular classroom attendance are mandatory. Attendance register will be marked in every class. Each student is expected to submit two (2) assignments and write two (2) class tests for continuous assessment. Students will be subjected to the end of semester examination where they will answer three questions. Students proof of seventy five percent (75%) classroom attendance admits them into writing the examination. 3.6 Methods of Grading: 1 Class Attendance 10 Marks 2 Class Assignment 10 Marks 3 Class Test 10Marks 4 End of Semester Examination 70 Marks TOTAL 100 MARKS 3.7 Course Delivery Strategies and practical Schedules: Lecture, questioning, group work and discussion techniques would be use. Students would also be referred to some textbooks in which they can read topics ahead lessons and in which they can get materials/data for their assignments. Topics can be assigned to groups of 2
students to work on and to be presented to the entire class under the guidance of the lecturer. 4. LECTURE CONTENT WEEK 1: General Introduction to the Course To introduce the course to students and give a general outlook of what the course is all about. This is to make students develop interest in the course and to prepare their mind for the task ahead. The lecture will lead students to knowing the definitions of what we called inter group relations and why it is a core course in the field of sociology. It will also give a breakdown analysis of the scope of the course as well as how the course and the class will be handled. 1. Define inter-group relations 2. Identify types of group you know 3. Itemise importance of this course to students of sociology 3
WEEK 2: Clarification of Basic Concepts in Inter Group Relations This aimed at making students familiar with basic concepts and terms in the course in order to make the course simpler and interesting for students. Definitions and proper understanding of these terms will simplify the subsequent lectures for students. The discourse would focus on stating the various concepts and terms in inter group relations and analysis of the differences among these concepts. The topic will be taken round to cover the importance of these concepts in identifying the pattern of relationship among groups of people or ethnicity across the world. 1. Identify basic concepts in intergroup relations 2. Explain concepts identified in question 1 above 3. Explain the essence of having knowledge of these concepts 4
WEEK 3: Properties of a Group The objective of this course is to expose students to main features of a group or what can be found among people before they can be referred to as a group. Such exposure will enable students to understand that it is not all gathering that can be referred to as group. This topic will involve the identification and discussion of main features of a group in relation to structure, goal, cohesion, common interest, solidarity and so on. The discourse will be an explanatory analysis of these ingredients. 1. Explain what you understand by properties of a group 2. List and explain properties of a group you know 3. In line with structure and goal, differentiate between an ethnic group and a political group. 5
WEEK 4: Importance of Inter-group Relations This is aimed at equipping students to acquire the knowledge of importance of inter-group relations in other to appreciate the fact that no group is self sufficient. It is also designed to have discussion on the progress and danger associated with inter-group transactions. The discourse on this topic will involve evaluative analyses of importance of inter-group relations and why one group will have to interact with the other. Such discourse will assist students to understand the advantages and disadvantages of inter-group relations. 1. Discuss the importance of inter-group relations 2. Highlight the dynamics of inter-group relations 6
WEEK 5: Prejudice and Discrimination This topic is designed to expose students to comprehensive discussion of the concept of prejudice and discrimination as found in relationship between individuals and groups in day to day human transactions. Such exposure will assist students to have the knowledge of how one group relate with others and the aftermath effects of such relationships. This topic will take students round a critical analysis of prejudice and discrimination. It will also involve identification of concepts that are closely related to prejudice and discrimination. Finally, the discourse will involve identification and discussion of types of discrimination. 7
1. Differentiate prejudice and discrimination 2. Identify and explain the concepts related to prejudice 3. Explain the types of discrimination you know WEEK 6: Stereotypes This discussion aimed at lecturing students on the concept of stereotype as one of the behaviours that arises from inter-group relations. Such lecture will enable students to differentiate this concept from prejudice and discrimination in previous class. 8
This topic will involve discussion of the term stereotype and identification of the behaviours that can be considered as stereotype. The discourse will also be extended to cover the concept of self fulfilling prophesies discussion on how people respond to stereotype. 1. Define stereotype 2. Draw a linkage between stereotype and self-fulfilling prophesies. 9
WEEK 7: Theories of Inter-group Relations (Part I) The objective of this topic is to expose students to various theories of inter-group relations. Such exposure will assist students to use or develop theories that could explain the relationship among people of different group, culture, religion and so on. This segment which is part one of the topic will cover Functionalist, Conflict and Interactionist perspectives in inter-group relations. The discourse will involve basic explanation of main tenets of the theories, their evaluation and relevance in explaining inter-group relations across the world. 1. Explain conflict theory in respect to inter-group relations. 2. Use functionalist theory to explain inter-group relations among two different groups of your choice in Nigeria. 10
WEEK 8: Theories of Inter-group Relations (Part II) The objective of this topic is to supplement the discussion in the last class in order to further expose students to some other theories of inter-group relations. Such exposure will also assist students to use or develop theories that could explain the relationship among people of different group, culture, religion and so on. This segment which is part two of the topic will cover Authoritarian Personality and Structural Component theories inter-group relations. The discourse will also involve basic explanation of main tenets of the theories, their evaluation and relevance in explaining inter-group relations across the world. 1. Explain authoritarian personality theory 2. Discuss the main tenets of structural component theory 11
WEEK 9: Pattern of Inter-group Relations This aimed at exposing and equipping students with the knowledge of various patterns of intergroup relations. Such exposure will enable students to explain the pattern of relations in their immediate society and across the world. This topic will cover identification and discussion of various patterns of inter-group relations as they occur across societies. Students will be expected to describe the patterns of inter-group relations found in their society. 1. List and explain the various patterns of inter-group relations 2. Identify and explain the type of inter-group relation found in Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa. 12
WEEK 10: Inter-group Relation in Nigeria (Part I) The objective of this course is to expose students to pattern of intergroup relations found in Nigeria with particular reference to pre-colonial Nigeria. This will assist students to understand what Nigeria was before colonialism and factors that led to Nigeria nation. This segment which is part one of the topic will be limited to discussion on pattern of intergroup relations found in pre-colonial era. The discourse will also involve view of scholars about Nigeria nationhood. 1. Discuss the emergence of Nigeria nation 2. Discuss the pattern of inter-group relation in pre-colonial nigeria 13
WEEK 11: (1) Administration of Continuous Assessment Test (1hr) (2) Discussion on the Importance of Knowledge of Inter-group relations to Students of Sociology (1hr) To determine the extent to which students have learnt in the previous lectures and to determine the past topic(s) that need to be reversed in order for students to have adequate understanding. Also to assess and appraise students understanding of what they identify or conceived as the importance of the course to them as sociologists in training. The first segment which is the continuous assessment test will be an essay test where students will be given questions to answer. They would be expected to give an elaborate discussion on whatever issue in the questions they are given. The second segment will be a general discussion that requires the participation of all members of the class. Any question relating to the past topics they have been taught in the past ten (10) weeks. 14
All the past recommended texts WEEK 12: Inter-group Relation in Nigeria (Part II) The objective of this course is to supplement and further expose students to pattern of intergroup relations found in Nigeria with particular reference to colonial era and post-colonial Nigeria. This will assist students to understand what Nigeria was during colonialism and the situation after the colonial era. In this regard, this topic is a continuation of lecture in week 10. This segment which is part two of the topic will discourse on pattern of inter-group relations found in Nigeria during colonial era and post colonial period. The discourse will also involve view of scholars about Nigeria nationhood. Students will be expected to give an elaborate discussion and analyses of the impacts of colonialism on inter-group relations in Nigeria. 1. Discuss the pattern of inter-group relations in colonial and post-colonial periods in Nigeria. 2. Vividly explain the impact of colonialism on inter-group relations in Nigeria 15
WEEK 13: Overview of Pattern of Inter-group Relation in the World Having understood the pattern of inter-group relations in Nigeria, the aim of this topic is to identify and evaluate pattern of inter-group relations across the globe in order to appreciate that inter-group relation is a world-wide phenomenon. The discourse on this topic will be an evaluative approach to processes and patterns of intergroup relations across countries in the world. Students will be expected to give an elaborate discussion and comparism about inter-group relations in Nigeria and other parts of the world. 1. Compare and contrast the pattern of inter-group relation found in Nigeria and two other countries of your choice. 2. Discuss the pattern of inter-group relations in India 16
WEEK 14: General Revision of all Taught Topics This is to revise all the taught topics and to give students more opportunity to call the attention of the lecturer to topics that need further discussion. A broad but precise discussion on major topics taught in the previous classes Questions asked by students and lecturer in the course of revision All the past recommended texts WEEK 15: Further Revision and last continuous Assessment Test To determine the extent to which students are preparing for semester examination and to call back to their memory the major topics they must have learnt in the previous classes. The assessment test will be an essay test where students will be given questions to answer. They would be expected to give an elaborate discussion on whatever issue in the questions they 17
are given. The revision will be a general discussion that requires the participation of all members of the class. Any question relating to the past topics they have been taught in the past ten (14) weeks. All the past recommended texts 5. GENERAL READING LIST: 6. LEGEND: 1. Available in the University Library 18
2. Available in local bookshops 3. Available on the web 4. Personal collection 5. Departmental library 19