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

  CSV3108

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

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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 backbrounds, 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.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

Off-shore delivery

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded CHN2101, CHN4113, CSV2108, 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. Examine a range of differences: ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, family structure and composition.
3. Examine the impact that people with differing needs have on family and community service systems.
4. Explore ways in which people and families with differing needs, including those who have experienced crisis and trauma, can be included in existing programmes for parents and/or children and young people.
5. Identify how different value positions on difference affect on the quality of community service delivery.
6. Identify past and current values and beliefs regarding people and families with differing needs and clarify their own personal values positions.
7. Identify the points of tension for family members between the norms and traditions of their own culture of origin and those of contemporary Australian society.

Unit Content

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

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials, readings, small group discussions and presentations, 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.
• Crock, M., & Saul, B. (2000). Future seekers. Refugees and the law in Australia. Annandale, NSW: The Federation Press.
• Greig, A., Lewins, F., & White, K. (2003). Inequality in Ausralia. Port Melbourne, VIC: Cambridge University 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.
• Lindsay, J., & Dempsey, D. (2009). Families, relationships and intimate life. Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
• Payne, G. (Ed.). (2000). Social divisions. London: Macmillan Press.
• Poole, M. (Ed.). (2005). Families. Changing families, changing times. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
• Haynes, F., & McKenna, T. (2001). Unseen genders: Beyond the binaries. New York, NY: Peter Lang.

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