ATS2716 - Cultural diversity and identity - 2017

The main concepts and theoretical approaches in the study of cultural diversity, ethnicity and migration will be introduced. Australia will be placed in an international context of global migration to take a comparative view on the issues of ethnicity, identity, nation and trans-nationalism. The unit considers the concepts of assimilation and multiculturalism, comparing settler and contemporary societies. Australia's cultural diversity will be viewed through various groups including, but not exclusive to, Indigenous Australians, permanent and temporary migrants, refugees, international students and Muslims in Australia. Various perspectives will be used to develop a critical understanding of contemporary ethnic relations and the concept of identity.

After completing this unit students will have:

• An understanding of the application of sociological concepts to cultural diversity and identity
• Knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to studying these issues
• A critical understanding of cultural diversity in contemporary Australia.
• 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.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Helen Forbes-Mewett

Sociology

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units. It is highly recommended that students only take this unit after they have completed two gateway units in Sociology.

ATS3716