The aim of this course is to explore the concept of culture and demonstrate how psychological science is a product of the culture in which psychologists are embedded. The course situates mainstream psychology in the culture from which it has emerged and then explores some psychological implications of practicing psychology as a Eurocentric science, particularly in the context of the colonial history of Australia.
Students will also learn how to apply their knowledge of cross-cultural differences in their real lives and work, and develop an understanding of difficulties practitioners may face in working with clients whose culture is different from their own. Particular emphasis will be placed on Indigenous issues in psychology and the importance of understanding these in the context of working with Indigenous Australian people in practice and research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Define and explain the concept of culture and how it relates to the history of mainstream psychology
- Critically examine psychological practices, research and theory in relation to cross-cultural perspectives and theories of cross-cultural competency
- Contextualise the discipline of psychology in Australia within the wider context of Australia's colonial history
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultural competency and how to apply these considerations in practice, with a particular focus on working with Indigenous Australians.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills in a variety of formats (e.g., written and verbal, collaboration with peers) for audiences with diverse cultural backgrounds and/or in the context of understanding the interconnections between culture and psychology.
Other Information
Final exam is a hurdle. A Pass mark (50%) or greater is required in the final examination before the course can be passed as a whole.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies:
As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, group tasks assess the required demonstration of teamwork skills, and presentations assess the required demonstration of oral communication skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained.
For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay (30) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- Summary quiz (5) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- Q&A Participation (5) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Group Presentation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Reflection (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- End of Semester Exam (Hurdle) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 5 x 2 hour Q&A sessions and 6 x 2 hours of laboratories spread across the semester.
- Approximately 108 hours of self directed study which will include watching recorded lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 4B
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3201 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |