Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides students with a critical understanding of how minority groups are included or excluded from the dominant Australian society. It begins with a historical examination of the ways in which groups have been discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, social status or sexual preference. It then explores attempts to create a more just and tolerant society and questions whether mainstream society is willing to accommodate the needs of minority groups.

Objectives

This unit provides students with an understanding of different attitudes towards minority groups and is designed to increase knowledge of and skills in historical and political research methods.
On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the patterns of inclusion and exclusion of minority groups since white settlement of Australia;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of different theories relating to the fear, hatred, and mistrust of the other;
3. Interrogate different policies relating to minority groups;
4. Critically engage with key historical and political theories in oral presentations and written exercises; and
5. Locate and retrieve primary source materials using archival, rare book, microfiche and microfilm collections; and
6. Present a structured response to an essay question
7. Formulate an independent research question relating to the inclusion or exclusion of minority groups; and
8. Develop a well-structured project based largely on documentary sources.

Assessment

Tutorial paper: 20%
Independent research paper: 40%
2 hour exam: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Julie Fenley

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial)

Off-campus attendance requirements

Required to contribute to on-line discussions

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

Community studies
History-politics

Prerequisites

24 points at first year level

Prohibitions

ATS2894