Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

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 and are always embedded within particular cultural, social, legal, political, economic and historical contexts. The unit therefore aims to

1. adopt a crosscultural comparative and historical approach to explaining the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination; and
2. introduce students to the range of current arguments to demonstrate how scholars are striving to understand the contemporary dynamics of prejudice and discrimination.

Objectives

Students can expect to develop:

1. An understanding of the key concepts in terms of their social and historical contexts.

2. A deeper and more reflective understanding of how the social and political dynamics of prejudice and discrimination are connected to specific interpretations of human nature and how these interpretations are cultural in origin.

3. A critical awareness of the range of contemporary theoretical models that strive to explain the causes and the consequences of prejudice and discrimination.

4. Knowledge about the social and cultural history of prejudice and discrimination and its links with colonialism and slavery.

5. An enhanced cross-cultural and critical awareness of the social and historical bases of prejudice and discrimination in the modern world.

Assessment

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

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Criminology
Anthropology

Prerequisites

Appropriate first-year ANY sequence or by permission

Prohibitions

COS2160