EDF4014

Exploring multiculturalism and cultural difference in schools

(EDU)

Ms Ruth Arber

6 points + 2 hours per week + First semester + Clayton

Synopsis: This course traces some of the ways we have represented ourselves in contemporary Australian society and the way we understand others. Recently Australians are being asked to reflect on who they are as a nation and the ways 'race' and 'ethnicity' have been historically understood and continue to be used to understand and work with cultural difference. The centrality of an Aboriginal presence within conceptualisations of Australian identity and nationhood is only beginning to emerge as an issue for Australian debate. Multiculturalism has become increasingly contested as both policy and practice, yet still remains a most important initiative within Australian schools.

Assessment: Reflexive Journal (1500 words) 30% + Theoretical analysis of two readings (500 words) 20% + Practical project (2000 words) 50%.