Course Title: Work with Culturally Diverse Clients in a Justice Environment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: HUSO5133

Course Title: Work with Culturally Diverse Clients in a Justice Environment

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6077 - Advanced Diploma of Justice

Course Contact : Irene Pagliarella

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99254581

Course Contact Email:irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 54

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None.

Course Description

This course provides the knowledge on the origins and nature of Australia’s multicultural society and the skills to work with culturally diverse clients, and develop attitudinal change and empathy with multiculturalism


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBQU381 Work with Culturally Diverse Clients in a Justice Environment

Element:

1. Analyse the concepts of culture, ethnicity and discrimination and their effects on an individual’s or group’s behaviour.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The concept of culture and its components are defined
1.2 An analysis is conducted to identify how cultural background can influence interpretation given to the behaviour of someone from another cultural background
1.3 Institutional, cultural and individual racism aspects are examined
1.4 The processes that originate, maintain and reinforce instances of racism in their various manifestations are analysed
1.5 Views of what constitutes the Australian identity are outlined

Element:

2. Examine the key aspects of the pre-invasion Aboriginal culture and outline the history of Aboriginal/White relations from 1788 to the present day

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Common characteristics of Aboriginal culture before the arrival of Europeans are identified
2.2 The impact of European invasion on the Aboriginal population in Australia and in comparable societies is evaluated
2.3 An analysis is undertaken to identify the structures of disadvantage and discrimination manifested through dispossession, subjugation, and white supremacy.
2.4 The ‘protectionist’ Government policies towards Aboriginal people from 1788 to 1950’s are investigated
2.5 Contemporary government policy responses in redressing racist practices are identified
2.6 The significance of the Mabo judgement is analysed and the current state of progress in Aboriginal/White reconciliation is analysed

Element:

3. Review the critical periods in Australian history in relation to immigration and multiculturalism since 1788

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The types and volumes of migration in 19th century colonial Australia are identified
3.2 The reasons for Australia’s monocultural society during 1901 to 1947 is outlined and the effects of the White Australia Policy are analysed
3.3 The reasons for massive post-war immigration are outlined, and its effects on both for the migrants and for Australia are examined
3.4 The stages of Government policy responses towards migrants are outlined

Element:

4. Investigate the common difficulties faced by migrants in adapting to Australian society and institutions

Performance Criteria:

4.1 The common stages experienced in “culture shock” are identified
4.2 The problems of settlement and integration faced by people of non-English speaking background particularly in areas of employment, are outlined
4.3 The problems and barriers to access to services such as education, housing, and the legal system are identified
4.4 The challenges to migrant family structures in adapting to and learning the norms and values of the Australian culture are analysed
4.5 The likely issues and problems of an ageing migrant population for Australia and the migrant themselves are identified
4.6 The importance of recognising, respecting and working with migrants by adopting anti-racist and ethno-sensitive practices are analysed

Element:

5. Outline the historical development of migrant services and analyse how they address migrants’ perceived needs

Performance Criteria:

5.1 The role of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in the provision of migrant services is identified
5.2 The historical development and current state of translating and interpreting services for migrants is identified
5.3 The historical development and current provision of English as second Language programs for migrants is outlined
5.4 The government agencies and the necessary process involved in the recognition of overseas qualifications are identified and evaluated
5.5 The development of migrant media access is traced
5.6 The historical development of migrant community resource centres is outlined and the current services provided are evaluated

Element:

6. Analyse the major issues which have arisen in recent times or continue to arise for Aborigines and migrants in the area of community justice

Performance Criteria:

6.1 The Royal Commission into the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody is investigated
6.2 The problems and difficulties Aborigines and ethnic groups have faced in relation to the law in Australia are delineated
6.3 The barriers to Aboriginal and migrant entrance to institutions such as the police force, and attempts to rectify the situation are investigated
6.4 The nature, purpose, and significance of anti-discrimination and anti-vilification laws in Australia are analysed
6.5 An analysis is undertaken to compare and contrast the attempts to link crime to particular ethnic groups in Australia and to identity any action that has been taken in response to it.

Element:

7. Outline the major aspects of Australia’s attempts to find its place in the global community, in an economic, cultural and legal sense

Performance Criteria:

7.1 The countries and regions of key strategic, trade and cultural significance to Australia are listed and outlined
7.2 The changing nature of Australia’s relationship with Asia and the economic, cultural and political implications are analysed
7.3 An analysis is conducted to compare and contrast Australia’s response to the changing cultural mix of its population with countries in Asia, Europe and the North American continent.
7.4 The changing identity of Australia and Australians given current economic, trade and immigration polices are outlined

Element:

8. Review the changing workplace cultures, in the local and global context

Performance Criteria:

8.1 The contemporary management philosophies for efficient and competitive workplaces are examined
8.2 Cultural diversity is examined in the context of a globalising economy
8.3 Equal Employment Opportunity regulatory approaches to managing diversity in the workplace are examined

Element:

9. Analyse the inclusion of diverse sexual subgroups into mainstream culture

Performance Criteria:

9.1 Negative stereotypes, attitudes, behaviours such as homophobia are identified
9.2 The structural inequalities in the social, economic, health and legal contexts, which disadvantage diverse sexual subgroups are analysed
9.3 The contributions of diverse sexual subgroups in political, human rights, social organisations, theatre, music and sport are outlined
9.4 The importance of recognising, respecting and working with difference is outlined

Learning Outcomes


See Elements


Details of Learning Activities

Students will participate in a variety of teaching methods including: lectures, tutorials, class discussion, role-plays, seminar presentations, group/individual work on projects, audio-visual presentations, field excursions where applicable, on site visits, and interaction with individuals and groups from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.


Teaching Schedule

Week 1

Introduction to cultural diversity and examination of institutional, and individual racism.

Week 2

Cultural diversity in the context of nationality, gender, religion, age and sexuality is examined.

Week 3

Examination of what constitutes the Australian identity and introduction of the impact of European invasion on Aboriginal population in Australia and in comparable societies.

Week 4

An analysis of structural disadvantage resulting from colonisation, disposession and white supremacy.

Week 5

Oral presentation analysing an issue related to cultural diversity in Australia outlining the Government’s and the community’s response.

Week 6

The impact of the Mabo judgement and the current state of reconciliation.

An analysis of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in custody and current barriers faced by Aboriginal and migrant groups

Week 7

Migration patterns from 19th century to present date are analysed.

Week 8

Government policies related to monuculture and multiculturalism are examined.

Week 9

The common stages of ’culture shock,’ and the process of acculteration are examined.

Week 10

Presentation of interview with a person from a cultural and linguistically diverse background.

Week 11

An analysis of Pluralism in Australia in the context of problems and barriers faced by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

An analysis of the media perception of particular migrant groups and links to crime.

Week 12

The difference between an individualistic and collectivist society.

Week 13

Anti- discrimination laws, anti-vilification laws and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights are examined.

Week 15

The impact of globalism on Australia’s economic trade and immigration policies is examined.

Week 16

Homophobia and other negative behaviours and attitudes are examined.

Week 17

Structural inequalities in terms of social economic health and legal contexts are examined.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Students are provided resources and readings related to coursework via ’Blackboard’ and in class


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including exams, class participation, research tasks and essays.


Assessment Tasks

Regular attendance and active preparation and participation will give you 15 out of 15 per cent of the final grade.

Assessment 1: Oral Presentation

Assessment 2: Essay and oral presentation

Assessment 3: Essay

Students will be provided a detailed handout of each of the above assessments that includes the assessment outline, the assessment criteria and the due date by the second week of the semester.


Assessment Matrix

 

 

The assessment has been designed to cover all learning outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT University’s Mark Table 7 which is as follows:

HD 80 – 100
D 70 - 79
C 60 - 69
PA 50 - 59
NN 0 - 49
 

Other Information

All written work must adhere to the following criteria:
1. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
2. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and cogently address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical, ordered and organised manner
3. The concepts must be well defined and demonstrate a critical analysis of the chosen topic
4. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research
5. In-text references must follow the APA style of referencing. In addition, you must provide a bibliography with correct and comprehensive details in relation to texts, articles, research reports and other sources that you have used
6. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.

Extensions
In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.
• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
You must keep a copy of their assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.

Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. An application for extension of time must be lodged with your tutor or the course coordinator as early as possible, and no later than one working day before the due date for submission.
You can apply for extension using the University’s Extension Application Form – http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf – or by emailing your course coordinator or tutor directly.
An extension of up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by course coordinators, tutors or the School. To apply for an extension of time greater than seven calendar days you must lodge an application for Special Consideration.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission will be penalised as follows:
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each working day late.
No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
• You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,

• You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,

• You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).

• Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Course Overview: Access Course Overview