James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2004

Offerings
View how WS2020 is offered in 2004

(Also shows pre-requisites and inadmissible combinations if applicable)

WS2020:03

Race, Racism and Reconciliation

Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, External

HECS Band 1

26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials or the equivalent in mixed mode delivery. Semester 2.

Staff:

Dr S Gair (Townsville campus).

The purpose of this subject is to engage students in a structural analysis of the socio-economic and political relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians from the time of invasion/colonisation to the present, through the paradigm of race and racism. The subject will also unravel the relationship between "Anglo" and "other" Australians within the current context of Australian society, with a particular focus on post WW2 migration policies, practices and outcomes to the present. There will be some focus on analysing internal and external migration debates, together with an analysis of more liberatory practice potential. The subject seeks to assist students to explore these issues within a supportive environment in order to prepare them for social work and welfare practice in the North Queensland and broader Australian contexts.

Learning Objectives:

to assist students to develop an understanding of themselves as cultural beings by understanding the concepts of culture, cultural products and the social construction of knowledge;

to outline the historical development of black/white relations in Australia since colonisation and the implications of this experience for social welfare theory and practice;

to identify the nature and extent of the impact of economic and refugee migration on Australian society, particularly since WWII and the implications of this experience for social welfare theory and practice;

to identify the structural forces determining the socio-economic and political status of racial and ethnic groups in Australia and to clarify the main elements of Government social and economic policy for racial and ethnic populations in Australia;

to identify and critique racist social welfare attitudes and practice and to develop social welfare theories and models of practice based on social justice.

Assessment by written assignments and/or presentation (100%).