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Course Outline

SCS290 Understanding Cultural Diversity

Course Coordinator:Traci Sudana (tsudana@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course examines the construction and maintenance of cultural difference and identity in the context of Australian immigration and multiculturalism. It explores how the concepts of identity, cultural diversity, representation, and racism unfold in the public domain and how minorities are represented as the 'other'. Furthermore, the course explores contemporary debates surrounding national identity, global citizenship, social inclusion, governance, and Australia's treatment of asylum seekers.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – 1 hour online Learning Materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 2 hour on campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – 1 hour online Learning Materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 2 hour online tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

  • The construction and maintenance of cultural difference and identity in the context of Australian immigration and multiculturalism
  • Theories and concepts of identity, cultural diversity, representation, and racism 
  • National identity
  • Global citizenship
  • Social inclusion
  • Governance
  • Australia's treatment of asylum seekers
  • (All topics contain adult themes)

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate awareness of basic theoretical approaches to immigration, multiculturalism, identity, culture, race/ethnicity, and diversity Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Examine, and reflect on the debates and discourses on race and cultural diversity in Australia Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
3 Critically reflect on social and community perspectives for working with cultural diversity Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
4 Reflect and discuss the impact of cultural diversity and how it relates to professional practices in Australia Empowered
Ethical
5 Communicate to relevant audience using appropriate referencing conventions Knowledgeable
Empowered
Ethical

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Any 2 courses

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Timely and detailed feedback is provided for each assessment. Feedback is provided both within text and general comments to build scholarly skills. Students are able to seek feedback through discussion with the course coordinator. Tutorials will include extended discussion and review of the assessment task requirements and scope.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Journal Individual 20% 
350 words(Part 1)
 Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Journal Individual 35% 
1050 words(Part 2)
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Essay Individual 45% 
1500 words
 Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Tutorial Journal (Part 1)
Goal: 
To demonstrate your learning through critical reflection discourses of cultural diversity and professional practice
Product: Journal
Format: 
You are required to select 1 reading from the mix of suggested articles provided in Canvas (weeks 1-4) and write 350 words. Each journal entry will discuss the reading in relation to cultural diversity and have a reflection in regard to professional practice ethics and values 

Journal Writing Expectations 
Expectations for preparing each journal entry include the following: 
Description: Describe settings, activities, and people in enough detail to allow the reader to form a clear mental picture of the situations, procedures, or events presented in the journal.Include identities and roles of people, location, size, and type of setting, and descriptions of governance structures and functions as appropriate. Documents attached to journal entries should be particularly useful in supporting such description. 
Analysis: Analyze the activities, events, and behaviours reported in terms of roles and responsibilities, as well as opportunities and constraints. Focus particularly on "othering" and cultural issues 
Reflection: Complete each entry with an objective assessment of the debate in terms of professional practice and cultural diversity. Assess the outcome of events and consider alternatives to the behaviours observed and offer insights into alternative actions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
​Clear description of reading
 1 2 3
2 
Analysis linking to cultural diversity
 1 2 3 4
3 
Reflection on professional practice
 2 3 4
4 
Clear concise and organised writing style using APA reference style
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Tutorial Journal (Part 2)
Goal: 
To demonstrate your learning through critical reflectionon discourses of cultural diversity and professional practice
Product: Journal
Format: 
You are required to select 3 readings from a mix of suggested articles provided in Canvas (weeks 4-7) and write 350 words per reading. Each journal entry will discuss the reading in relation to cultural diversity and have a reflection in regards to professional practice ethics and values 

Journal Writing Expectations 
Expectations for preparing each journal entry include the following:
Description: Describe settings, activities, and people in enough detail to allow the reader to form a clear mental picture of the situations, procedures, or events presented in the journal.Include identities and roles of people, location, size, and type of setting, and descriptions of governance structures and functions as appropriate. Documents attached to journal entries should be particularly useful in supporting such description. 
Analysis: Analyze the activities, events, and behaviours reported in terms of roles and responsibilities, as well as opportunities and constraints. Focus particularly on "othering" and cultural issues 
Reflection: Complete each entry with an objective assessment of the debate in terms of professional practice and cultural diversity. Assess the outcome of events and consider alternatives to the behaviours observed and offer insights into alternative actions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Interpretation and description of reading
 1 2
2 
Examination of debate and discourse of cultural diversity
 1 2 3
3 
Reflection and analysis of the impact of cultural diversity on your professional practice in Australia
 1 2 3 4
4 
Clear concise and organised writing style using APA reference style
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 3:Essay
Goal: 
The goal is to reflect, evaluate and interpret the debate and discourse/s around culturally diverse groups within Australia. Theorise about the impact of 'othering' on professional practice and justify solutions.
Product: Essay
Format: 
You will be required to write an essay in response to the guidelines below: Examine one culturally diverse group in Australia in regard to a critical issue such as racism, identity or nationalism. Analyse the public debate around issues relating to the group Examine and discuss the discourse/s and social impact of 'othering' and interpret the complexities of working with the culturally diverse group Theorise what this means for professional practice and propose solutions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
​Examine, analyse and reflect on the public debates and discourses of cultural diversity 
Reflection and discussion of the impact of cultural diversity and how it relates to professional practices in Australia
 1 2 3 4
2 
Evaluation and reflection on ‘othering’ and applying this to the chosen group
 2 3
3 
Clear concise and organised writing style using APA reference style
 1 2 5

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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