Content analysis of university students' interethnic tolerance reflected in russian and english-language media education of the post-soviet period (1992?2000)

Abstract

The article traces the evolution of teaching interethnic tolerance in Russia and in English-speaking countries. The authors analyse the main approaches to promoting interethnic tolerance among university students in the context of Russian and English-language media education of the post-Soviet period (19922000). Some official documents and researches made by Russian and foreign scholars regarding the issues of interethnic tolerance and interethnic relationships are studied. Theoretical and methodological approaches to fostering interethnic tolerance in the historical, philosophical, psychological, pedagogical, sociological, cultural contexts are presented. The authors provide a review and analysis of dissertations by Russian authors of the studied period reflecting the theoretical and methodological base for studying interethnic relationships, ethno-pedagogical culture of a democratic society, multicultural education and teaching the younger generation in new conditions for Russia caused by restructuring of the entire social system. Particular importance in the study is given to philosophical, pedagogical and sociocultural sources of teaching tolerant consciousness and culture, transformed interpretations of 'tolerance' as a concept, historical traditions of cultivating tolerant relationships and maintaining civil liberties in society, integration of a tolerant approach into formal and non-formal education systems, cultural and academic assimilation of migrants, ways to prevent hatred, aggression and violence among young people. The analysis shows that in Russian studies of this period, the topic of media education for developing interethnic tolerance among young people was practically ignored whereas in English-speaking countries the analysed period is characterized by active development of multicultural approaches to education, designing programs for students belonging to various national groups. The main emphasis in English-language researches is placed on critical thinking, media education in schools, methodological tools for media education, historical development of media culture and media education, etc.