Students

SOCI318 – Living Diversity: Multiculturalism, Racism and Nation

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Associate Professor Amanda Wise
W6A833
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
We live in an age of super-diversity. Like Canada, the US, and the UK, Australia’s major cities are now home to people from all corners of the globe. In a time of resurgent nationalisms, there is hardly a more urgent task than learning to coexist with cultural and religious difference. Drawing on examples from a range of national contexts, this unit explores the complexities of co-existence in an age of global diversity. The first part of this unit will explore current debates around superdiversity and global cities; the sociology of migrant settlement, social mobility and inequalities; and different models of multiculturalism across the western world. The attention then shifts to everyday multiculturalism and the lived experience of religious and cultural difference. The second part of the unit examines the sociology of race, discrimination and racism – from the structural to the everyday. We will explore what sociology has to say about the surge in national populisms and the rise of the far right and why it is that race, immigration and Islam so commonly animate such movements. We will also consider the role of social media in this resurgence. Finally, the unit explores anti-racism and the tools available to challenge discrimination, and students will be introduced to concepts surrounding post-colonial sociology.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

General Assessment Information

WORD LIMITS:  Word limits DO NOT include bibliography.  You may be +/- 10% word limit.

LATE PENALTY: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

ASSIGNMENT EXTENSIONS: Will only be granted via a formal special consideration application.

PARTICIPATION ASSESSMENT: You are required to participate in 80% of the seminars to pass. In practice, this means that you may only miss 2 tutorials in a semester. Further absences must be cleared via an application for special consideration as above.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Group discussion leaders 20% No Assigned
Research Essay 30% No Week 8
Social Media Debate Portfolio 30% No Week 12
Seminar participation 20% No Ongoing

Group discussion leaders

Due: Assigned
Weighting: 20%

Students will be grouped at the beginning of semester. Each week, one group will be charged with making a short presentation of the key terms of the debate for that week, and leading the seminar discussion.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Research Essay

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%

Written research essay based on set questions drawn from key weeks in the unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Social Media Debate Portfolio

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%

Reflection on portfolio of social media debate


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Seminar participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Participation is a major component of the unit. It is measured in two ways: The frequency and quality of student participation in seminars, and submission of a weekly reading/viewing/listening summary and reflection.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Delivery and Resources

This unit is run as a 3 hour on campus seminar. A mix of readings, podscasts, documentaries and film will be used to complement the lectures. 

 

Unit Schedule

INDICATIVE UNIT SCHEDULE (Note, weekly topic order may change)

PART 1

Australia - Immigration Nation

Multiculturalism, Interculturalism, Integration 

Migrant & Refugee Settlement

Global Migration & Superdiversity

Everyday multiculturalism, commonplace diversity and everyday co-existence.

PART 2 Theorising Race & Ethnicity

Sociology of Racism & Populism

Islamophobia & securitisation

Indigenous perspectives on racism in Australia

Far right, 'Alt-Right' Racism and Social Media

Anti-Racism

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Seminar participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with sociological concepts of race, ethnicity, racism, multiculturalism, nationalism, populism.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly and public debates concerning the sociology of nation, ethnicity, multiculturalism, race and racism and migrant settlment.
  • Be able to engage in the nuances of these debates as demonstrated in classroom discussion and assignments.
  • Be able to source and engage with and critically assess news coverage and opinion pieces on these topics.
  • Be able to critically reflect on social media 'storms' around the topics of religion, race, Islam, racism, populism, nationalism, migration.

Assessment tasks

  • Group discussion leaders
  • Research Essay
  • Social Media Debate Portfolio
  • Seminar participation

Changes since First Published

Date Description
25/06/2018 There was a typo on the word count for the essay in the original version. This has been amended.