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Unit description

Introduces students to the concept of 'cultural difference' and how this impacts on fair and equitable outcomes in the alternative dispute resolution system. Discusses the concepts of culture as being the way of life of a particular group of people and therefore encapsulates 'difference' in sexual preference, age, socio-economic status, as well as race and ethnicity. Explores these different cultural groups and the impact that their 'difference' has on fairness and justice in alternative dispute resolution and practical strategies for overcoming disadvantage within the system.

Unit content

Topic 1 Introduction, definitions, concepts and reflections 
Topic 2 Mediating difference 
Topic 3 Mediation models and culture 
Topic 4 Multiculturalism in Australia and the dispute resolution needs of ethnic minorities 
Topic 5 Mediation and gender differences 
Topic 6 Mediation and Aboriginal communities 
Topic 7 Mediation and Aboriginal communities - practice 
Topic 8 Mediation and disabilities

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1describe and explain the concepts relevant in this area, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, culture, multiculturalism, race, racism, low context and high context cultures, inter-cultural conflict and intra-cultural conflict;Knowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
2critically reflect on their own cultural background and how this impacts on their attitudes and behaviours when involved in a mediation process;Intellectual rigourCultural competence
3describe culture as a way of life of a particular group of people and explain how this understanding of culture encapsulates 'difference' in gender, age, socio-economic status, disability, sexuality, as well as race and ethnicity;Cultural competence
4explain the significance of 'difference' when mediating disputes;Knowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
5identify different cultural groups and the issues facing these groups when attempting to resolve conflict, and demonstrate the skills and ability to assist people from different cultural groups in resolving conflict;Knowledge of a disciplineCultural competence
6critically analyse whether mediation is presently fair to traditionally disadvantaged groups, oppressed and minority groups;Intellectual rigourCultural competence
7identify and evaluate mediation services available in Australia to resolve inter-cultural conflict; and demonstrate the skills and ability to undertake a research project in an area covered in this unit.Knowledge of a disciplineCultural competence

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe and explain the concepts relevant in this area, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, culture, multiculturalism, race, racism, low context and high context cultures, inter-cultural conflict and intra-cultural conflict;
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  2. critically reflect on their own cultural background and how this impacts on their attitudes and behaviours when involved in a mediation process;
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  3. describe culture as a way of life of a particular group of people and explain how this understanding of culture encapsulates 'difference' in gender, age, socio-economic status, disability, sexuality, as well as race and ethnicity;
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  4. explain the significance of 'difference' when mediating disputes;
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  5. identify different cultural groups and the issues facing these groups when attempting to resolve conflict, and demonstrate the skills and ability to assist people from different cultural groups in resolving conflict;
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  6. critically analyse whether mediation is presently fair to traditionally disadvantaged groups, oppressed and minority groups;
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  7. identify and evaluate mediation services available in Australia to resolve inter-cultural conflict; and demonstrate the skills and ability to undertake a research project in an area covered in this unit.
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA7: Cultural competence

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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