Migrant Nation: Culture and Identity

Subject 670-311 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
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 Sara Wills
Subject Overview:

This subject allows students to engage critically with Australia as a migrant nation, identifying its complex nature through a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Topics covered include the history and politics of Australian immigration, multicultural policies, theories of multiculturalism, migrant cultural forms and display, racial politics, refugee issues, case studies of migrant communities and ethnic/national identities. Students will engage with the work of historians, social and cultural theorists, policy makers, activists, writers and artists. This course will appeal to anyone with an interest in immigration, multiculturalism, ethnicity and national identity and those who seek to understand contemporary Australian society.

Assessment: Class presentation 10%, a 1500 word analytical essay 35% (due mid-semester) and a 2500 word research essay 55% (due at the end of semester). Students must complete all assignments and attend at least 70% of classes to be eligible for assessment.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available to purchase.
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • acquire skills in the following areas as a result of attendance at scheduled classes, participation in planned activities and discussion groups, and timely completion of essays and assignments:

  • research: through competent use of the library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

  • thinking in theoretical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;

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

  • communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically: through essay writing and tutorial discussion; written communication: through essay preparation and writing; public speaking: though tutorial discussion and class presentations;

Download PDF version.