MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

ANY2160

Understanding prejudice and discrimination

M Stevenson

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 of human nature which are connected to the diverse forms of prejudice and discrimination are always embedded within particular cultural, social, legal, political, economic and historical contexts. The subject therefore aims to (i) adopt a crosscultural comparative and historical approach to explaining the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination; and (ii) introduce students to the range of current arguments to demonstrate how scholars are striving to understand the contemporary dynamics of prejudice and discrimination.

Assessment One essay (1500 words): 25% + One essay (2500 words): 45% + Examination (2 hours): 30%

Recommended texts

• Barker M The new racism Junction Books, 1981
• CCCS (ed.) The empire strikes back Hutchinson, 1982
• Cohen P and Rattansi A Rethinking racism and antiracism Runnymede Trust, 1991
• Davis A Women, race and class Women's Press, 1981
• Dijk T A van Elite discourse and racism Sage, 1993
• Donald J and Rattansi A `Race', culture and difference Open University, 1992
• Essed P J M Understanding everyday racism Sage, 1991
• Marable M The crisis of colour and democracy: Essays on race, class and power Common Courage Press, 1992