ANY2160

Understanding prejudice and discrimination

(ART)

Michael Stevenson

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisite: Appropriate first-year ANY sequence or permission of head of school + Prohibition COS2160

Synopsis: If we examine arguments and conduct which support, justify and enact prejudice and discrimination, then what we find underlying them are theories about human nature. These theories are connected to the diverse forms of prejudice and discrimination are always embedded within particular cultural, social, legal, political, economic and historical contexts. The subject therefore aims to (i) adopt a crosscultural comparative and historical approach to explaining the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination; and (ii) introduce students to the range of current arguments to demonstrate how scholars are striving to understand the contemporary dynamics of prejudice and discrimination.

Assessment: Essay (3000 words): 60% + examination (1.5 hours): 40%