Ethnicity, Religion and Race: Understanding Social Diversity unit (HGA324)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit applies a sociological lens to the terrain of racial, religious and ethnic relations in Australia. Through a focus on inter-related themes of inequality and difference, it introduces theories of race, ethnicity, indigeneity and whiteness and applies these to historical and contemporary race and religious relations and the empirical research on Australian Indigenous, settler, migrant and refugee peoples. Specifically, the unit examines the history of Australia's relationship as a settler colonial society with Indigenous peoples, with a particular emphasis on citizenship rights and realities. The unit also critically examines the Australian post-war immigration programme, and the experiences of different migrant, religious and refugee groups in overcoming discrimination and living in Australian society. It addresses the processes of ethnic and religious identity construction, cultural diversity, multiculturalism and transnational communities in the context of globalisation. These are central social issues for Australians in their everyday lives and in political and social policy.

Summary

Unit name	Ethnicity, Religion and Race: Understanding Social Diversity
Unit code	HGA324
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Professor Douglas Ezzy
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the history of racial, religious and ethnic relations in Australia from a sociological perspective.
• Apply sociological perspectives to assess racial, religious and ethnic relations in Australia.
• Evaluate the core debates and discourses in Australia and other settler nations on race, religion and ethnicity.
• Communicate your ideas clearly and draw upon sociological data to support your arguments.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 points at introductory level in any discipline in any faculty

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	There will be up to 1.5 hours weekly of online lecture material.  This will be a combination of lectures and other media.  There will be a 2 hour weekly seminar.  This will be available both on campus in Hobart and online.  For those unable to attend either of the seminars, there will be the option of posting on discussion boards.
Assessment	Participation (20%)|Essay (40%)|Final exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please see the Unit Schedule and the library reading list for this unit.  There is a weekly reading that is required and listed on the unit schedule.
Recommended	Please see the library reading list for this unit.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.