EDN4405

Social education: cultural studies A

Dr J Edwards

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding about the way in which culture is shaped by the physical environment from which it emanated; ways in which social, political, economic and physical events have helped shape culture; ways in which imported cultures have been changed with transportation to Australia; the complexity and diversity of the various cultural groups represented within the Australian society; contemporary multicultural issues and concerns, with a focus on the initiatives developed by people from different cultural backgrounds and by governments to address them; appropriate teaching strategies and support resources. Students should have developed the capacity to value the cultural heritage of the various ethnic communities and their historic and continuing contribution to Australian society; demonstrate their appreciation of multicultural studies and perspectives; develop, implement and evaluate multicultural programs.

Synopsis This subject provides students with crosscultural knowledge which will allow them to develop curricula for multicultural studies in the primary school. Emphasis will be placed on the way in which culture is shaped by the physical environment from which it emanated; how physical events have helped shaped culture; and how imported cultures have been changed with transportation to Australia.

Assessment Research paper (2000 words): 40% - Seminar presentation: 20% - Assignment (2000 words): 40%

Recommended texts

Edgar D, Earle L and Fopp R Introduction to Australian society 2nd edn, Prentice-Hall, 1993
Funder K (ed.) Images of Australian families: Approaches and perceptions Longman Cheshire, 1991
Jupp J (ed.) The Australian people Angus and Robertson, 1988

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