This course takes up the life of multiculturalism, cultural diversity and pluralism as organizing principles for social relations between the state, communications media and populations. The course is divided into three parts: The first part of the course offers an introduction to different conceptions of society and their relationship to understandings of identity and difference. We will also take a brief look at the relationship between culture and governance, paying specific attention to the issues associated with cultural policy. The second part of the course will engage with the relationship between media, governance and diversity as framed within the context of the contemporary nation-state. The third part of the course looks at a few international and transnational institutions and issues, raising questions about the possible futures of difference and diversity.