HPS209 - Cross Cultural and Indigenous Psychology
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Meu Supol |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per fortnight |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 2 hour online seminar per fortnight |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the trimester undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Note:This unit is available to students doing any course in the university | |
Content
This unit provides the opportunity to learn about the importance of culture in understanding human behaviour. Specifically, the unit draws on theoretical perspectives from cross cultural and Indigenous psychology and examines the role of culture on adaptation and individual and group behaviours. The intersectionality of culture including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and mental health is critically examined. Cultural competence skills will be developed to inform the training and practice of health professionals to address the mental health needs of diverse clients. The application of culturally intrinsic knowledge to the practice of psychology will be advanced through the presentation of case studies and practical exercises. The Indigenous content has been developed in collaboration with experts in Indigenous knowledges and will include the examination of the social, political and historical determinants relevant to the mental health of Indigenous Australians.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Examine and demonstrate an understanding of psychosocial theories that underpin attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination in multicultural contexts. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Demonstrate an understanding of the intersectionality between culture including ethnicity, gender and sexuality on mental health and human behaviour. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Critically evaluate research methods used in cross cultural research. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Examine and recognise issues that affect the mental health of multicultural and Indigenous communities. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO5 | Critically examine and communicate issues specific to Indigenous communities. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Health Policy Brief | 1500 words | 40% |
|
| Assessment 2: Essay | 1500 words | 40% |
|
| Assessment 3: End-of-Unit Assessment | 90 minutes | 20% |
|
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
Readings for each topic will be provided as there is no single textbook that covers all or a majority of the unit content.
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2017). National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing, 2017-2023. link.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.