Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 700140

Coordinator Mona Shrestha Opens in new window

Description The purpose of this subject is to develop awareness and understanding of cultural differences, whiteness and power relations in Australian society. Students are introduced to and required to develop a working understanding of theories of whiteness, culture, identity, difference and relations of power. Through assignments and activities students have the opportunity to work through the application of these theories in relation to different groups and social issues in the Australian context.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Society and Culture, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Pre-requisite(s) -

Equivalent Subjects CULT 1022 Working with Cultural Differences
HUMN 1046 Tourism in Society (WSTC)

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled at Western Sydney University, The College. Students enrolled in extended diplomas must pass 40 credit points from the preparatory subjects listed in the program structure prior to enrolling in this University level subject. Students enrolled in 7057 Diploma in Social Science Extended must have passed or be enrolled in preparatory subjects listed in the program structure in order to enrol in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Articulate current theories and concepts of culture, identity, difference and power.
2. Identify the historical and social contexts of cultural differences and power relations in Australia through personal narratives and readings.
3. Explain the concept of whiteness as a structure of authority and as a location of identity.
4. Discuss the history of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations in Australia and its impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders today.
5. Evaluate different discourses and practices of multiculturalism in recent Australian history.

Subject Content

1. Concepts of culture, cultural difference and identity;
2. Narratives of identities and difference;
3. Understanding of power and relations of power and positioning within cultural differences;
4. Whiteness as a structure of authority and as a location of identity;
5. Historical and social perspectives on cultural differences and power relations in Australia;
6. Impact of the history of Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations in Australia;
7. Discourses of multiculturalism in recent Australian history;
8. Markers of difference such as gender, race, class, sexuality, location in the Australian context;
9. Exploration of good practice, policy and research on working with cultural differences.