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Race and Racism in Australia (SOCI30014)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Australia is a nation that has been profoundly shaped by European settler colonisation, the White Australia Policy, and the fiction of terra nullius. This subject examines race and racism in contemporary Australia. It introduces theoretical tools from sociology to assist us in understanding how race and racism operate in Australia, who benefits from racism, and why racism is difficult to change. It looks at situations faced by First Nations people in their fight for sovereignty and justice, anti-migrant racisms, and how race, a social construction, is constantly shifting. The subject also explores anti-racism efforts, why most are ineffective, and what might be more effective.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Define race and racism from a sociological perspective
- Demonstrate an ability to use an appropriate theory or theories to critically analyse racism in Australia
- Express an understanding of social processes which underpin race and racism in Australia
- Demonstrate an understanding of how racism operates at structural, interpersonal and internalised levels.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills
- Demonstrate written communication skills
- Have the ability to apply theory to practice
- Have the ability to work independently.
Last updated: 21 January 2025