University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Diversity Studies

About the minor

A minor in Diversity Studies provides students with an applied understanding of cultural diversity in its many forms. Those who undertake this stand-alone minor will learn about the histories and experiences of minority groups, including people of colour, women, LGBTQI+ people and those with disabilities. On the one hand, Diversity Studies critically examines the various kinds of marginalisation caused by racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination. On the other, it offers creative ways to conceptualise difference as a cultural asset and use it as a tool for social transformation in an increasingly global world.

This minor will equip you with a wide range of frameworks for social justice and policy work in a number of professions as well as the confidence to work independently and collaboratively on important issues of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. You will undertake units of study from a variety of programs, including Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Education and Social Work, Australian Indigenous Studies, Anthropology and Government and International Relations.

Requirements for completion

The Diversity Studies minor requirements are listed in the Diversity Studies unit of study table.

First year

Foundational to the minor is completion of one core unit of study, GCST1604 Introduction to Diversity Studies, offered by the Department of Gender and Cultural Studies, plus at least one of the 1000-level selective units GCST1601 Introduction to Cultural Studies, GCST1602 Introduction to Gender Studies and ANTH1001 Cultural Difference.

Second year

You will complete at least 12 credit points at 2000-level to broaden your knowledge of Diversity Studies in disciplines including Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, and Gender and Cultural Studies. Progression is achieved through breadth and depth, allowing you to explore areas such as race and ethnic relations, sexualities, youth, masculinities, indigenous health and communities.

Third year

You will complete 12 credit points at 3000-level, choosing from units in Government, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, and Gender and Cultural Studies. These options build on first and second year areas of study, and include issues such as the cultural politics of race, gender, security and human rights, health inequalities, social justice and social citizenship.

Contact and further information

More information and current contact details for Academic Coordinators may be found at:
Department of Gender and Cultural Studies

The Department of Gender and Cultural Studies is administered by the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI).