SCY2041 - Multiculturalism, citizenship and identity

Leader(s): Denise Cuthbert

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the main concepts and theoretical approaches in the study of ethnicity and migration. It places multicultural Australia in the context of globalisation and global migration and takes a comparative view on the issues of ethnicity, identity, nation and transnationalism. The unit also deals with the issues of nation-state's management of ethnic diversity, comparing settler societies such as Australia with the old nations of Europe and Asia. In the unit, students are encouraged to learn about Australian multiculturalism in a historical perspective, and develop a critical understanding of Australian ethnic relations since the beginning of European settlement.

Objectives

After completing this unit students will have

• An understanding of the application of sociological concepts to multiculturalism, citizenship and identity.
• Knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to studying these issues.
• A critical understanding of contemporary Australian society in a historical perspective.
• A deeper critical understanding of their own and other people's social identities.
• Understanding of how dominant ideas and assumptions are created.
• Further developed written, research and analytical skills.

Assessment

Essay 1 (1000 words): 15%; Essay 2 (2000 words): 25%; Library project: 10%; Examination (1.5 hours): 45%; Class participation: 5%

Contact hours

One 1 hour lecture and One 1 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions

SCY3041