James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

SS1010 - Australian People: Indigeneity and Multiculturalism

Subject Description

What does it mean to be Australian? This subject introduces students to the relevance and importance of the Bachelor of Arts via a cross-disciplinary focus on social issues and debates concerning Australia. Topics explored include processes of settlement and colonisation; the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures; nationalism, multiculturalism, and the diverse foundations of contemporary Australian identities. The subject takes individual and local experiences as case studies to understand broader social structures. The aim is to help students engage with the historical, cultural and social contexts that contribute to making us who we are.

Learning Outcomes

• apply key concepts to make sense of cultural diversity in Australia's past, present, and future
• demonstrate critical reading and writing skills through engagement with a range of texts
• analyse the location of individuals within the broader context of Australian society
• investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on key issues in Australian society
• summarise qualitative and quantitative research practices in HASS disciplines

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Problem task - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Tutorial task - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities