Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Culture, Equity and Diversity

• Unit Code

  CSV2108

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit focuses on an examination of individual, community and cultural responses to difference with an emphasis upon Indigenous families and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, within the context of contemporary Australian society. Difference and diversity are examined in relation to ethnicity, gender, sexuality, family structure and composition and ability. The links between beliefs and values, and service delivery processes are also explored.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded CHN2101, CHN4113, CSV3108, CSV4108

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe factors affecting the lives of Indigenous families and families from culturally diverse backgrounds in Australian society.
2. Describe the impact that people with differing needs have on family and community service systems.
3. Discuss ways in which people and families with differing needs, including those who have experienced crisis and trauma, can be included in existing programmes for adults, children and young people.
4. Explain how different societal and individual value positions towards difference affect the quality of community service delivery.
5. Explain the points of tension for family members between the norms and traditions of their own culture of origin and those of contemporary Australian society.
6. Interpret a range of differences: ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, family structure and composition.
7. Review past and current societal values and beliefs regarding people and families with differing needs and clarify their own personal values positions.

Unit Content

1. Crisis and trauma in migrant and refugee families.
2. Differences at individual and family levels.
3. Diversity consciousness and its effect on individual and family life opportunities.
4. Family functioning and family stress related to the presence of difference.
5. Past and current services for people and families, with diverse and different needs; linking forms of service provision to prevailing ideologies.
6. Perceptions and treatment of people who are perceived different throughout history, including Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse families.
7. Strategies for service delivery consistent with a valuing of difference.
8. Value positions and their impact on practice.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, workshops, readings, small group discussions and presentations, role plays, videos, and on-line work.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Bucher, R. D. (2010). Diversity consciousness: Opening our minds to people, cultures and opportunities. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Habibis, D., & Walter, M. (2008). Social inequality in Australia. Discourses, realities and futures. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
• Carpenter, B., & Ball, M. (2012). Justice in society. Sydney, NSW: Federation Press.
• Wilson, R. (1997). Bringing them home: National inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. Sydney, NSW: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
• Poole, M. (Ed.). (2005). Families. Changing families, changing times. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
• Sparrow, P.J. (2005). From under a leaky roof. Afghan refugees in Australia. Fremantle, WA: Fremantle Arts Centre Press.
• Lindsay, J., & Dempsey, D. (2009). Families, relationships and intimate life. Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.

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