Unit rationale, description and aim
Cultural diversity and multiculturalism are becoming increasingly valued in Australian society, and as cross-cultural contact continues to increase, so should our understanding of inter- and intra-cultural psychological processes. An understanding of how cultural factors impact values, beliefs, and behaviours is pertinent for conducting ethically sound research. As enhanced levels of intercultural understanding can be best achieved by studying basic human functioning, and how human behaviour shapes, and is shaped by, cultural environments, the focus of this unit will be exploring which human psychological processes are etic (i.e. universal and shared by all humans) and which are emic (i.e. culturally dependent). The overall aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse research and evidence in psychology through a culturally-oriented lens.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Understand the basic concepts and methods of cross...
Learning Outcome 01
Identify cultural influences on affective, behavio...
Learning Outcome 02
Relate culture influences to identity processes
Learning Outcome 03
Apply cross cultural psychological knowledge to re...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Theories of culture and cultural acquisition
- Methods of cross-cultural enquiry
- Cultural factors influencing affective, behavioural, and cognitive functioning
- Enculturation
- Values and beliefs across and within cultures
- Differences and similarities in roles and expectations across and within cultures
- Prejudice and conflict
- Acculturation, multiculturalism, cultural change
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to successfully complete this unit, students will need to complete and submit all of the assessment tasks listed in the table below. In addition to this, students must obtain an aggregate mark of at least 50% to pass the unit.
In order to best enable students to demonstrate unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes, standards-based assessment is utilised, consistent with University assessment requirements. A range of assessment strategies is used including: a learning portfolio designed to scaffold understanding and application of the content of the unit; a theoretical paper to demonstrate the ability to discuss and consolidate research literature and to develop research methodologies to test a self-generated hypothesis; and a research presentation and paper to demonstrate the ability to interpret and discuss research findings, and to consolidate and apply the content covered in the unit.
Overview of assessments
Learning Portfolio The portfolio contains a var...
Learning Portfolio
The portfolio contains a variety of multiple choice and short answer questions which allows students to demonstrate the progression of knowledge across the semester. It has been designed to scaffold understanding and application of the content of the unit.
30%
Research Proposal Students will review a theoret...
Research Proposal
Students will review a theoretical cross-cultural psychological dimension, and design a feasible observation-style project that will form the basis of the final assessment. This task enables students to demonstrate the ability to discuss and consolidate research literature and develop research methodologies to test a self-generated hypothesis.
25%
Research Paper and Presentation Based on feedbac...
Research Paper and Presentation
Based on feedback from the previous assessment task, students are to conduct the proposed project, and report the findings as they pertain to theoretical dimensions of cross-cultural psychology. This task enables students to demonstrate the ability to interpret and discuss research findings and consolidate and apply the content covered in this unit.
45%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit has the equivalent of three contact hours per week over twelve weeks which involves lectures and tutorials. This mode of delivery is designed to enhance discussion and engagement in the content covered in the unit. The lectures are to aid students with the acquisition and understanding of knowledge while the tutorials are designed to enhance application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of that knowledge. To assist students in self-directed learning, other learning resources are utilised including: online quizzes and activities; online forums; and lecture recordings.