Migrants, Refugees & Australian Society

Subject 131-093 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first-year history.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Zora Simic
Subject Overview:

This subject explores aspects of post-World War II migration to and refugee settlement in Australia since 1938. After 1948, Australians were classified as Australian citizens rather than British subjects. The millionth migrant arrived in 1955, and in 1983 the Migration Act substituted the classification of 'alien' with 'non-citizen'. Central to this subject will be issues of understanding immigrant and refugee responses to an alien society and environment, and questioning of the attitudes and policies of the host country to its newcomers. The subject will be both a study of major theoretical issues in migration and refugee studies and of central themes in migration and refugee history: migrant and refugee experiences; the Australian responses; definitions of assimilation, integration and multiculturalism; and the impact of migration and refugee settlement upon Australian society. On completion of the subject students should show an awareness of the richly diverse sources for studying migration history in Australia and show an understanding of issues involved in contemporary debates on central immigration and refugee issues.

Assessment: A research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

  • demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Diploma in Arts (History)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)

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