21883 Diversity and Inclusion
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 3 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject critically examines the role of diversity and inclusion in contemporary organisations. Demographic changes in the workforce, as well as a shifting social landscape, have been drivers to reconsider the ways in which management decisions affect multiple stakeholders. This subject provides students with the tools necessary to unpack issues of diversity and inclusion and offers a critical examination of intersectional power structures including gender, sexuality, race, and dis/ability at work and beyond.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | explain the interrelations between identity, organisations and systems of power |
|---|---|
| 2. | critique the mainstream theories and practices of diversity management |
| 3. | reframe conventional human resource management approaches to meet inclusionary principles |
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Students will critically interrogate complex people management problems that respond to scholarly and practitioner interests. The subject comprises three points of focus: theory; reflexivity and practice. The theory focus provides foundational knowledge of diversity and inclusion. The reflexivity focus offers participants the opportunity to apply diversity theory to personal and professional experiences with identity and power. Finally, the practice focus draws together the reflexive application of theory to consider ways that diversity and inclusion may be understood and practised in organisations.
By engaging with the subject activities students will develop a broad understanding of mainstream and alternate diversity management theories and practices; hone their critical thinking skills to analyse the role of power in diversity management, and demonstrate ethical and moral values in engaging with social diversity and difference.
This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives for the Master of Human Resource Management:
- Interact with colleagues and stakeholders to work effectively in teams and deliver agreed project outcomes (3.2)
- Critically analyse business decisions in terms of ethical practice and social responsibility (4.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject draws on critical pedagogical principles and comprises a number of teaching and learning strategies intended to promote analytical, reflexive and critical thinking as well as collaboration and communication skills. The strategies have been designed to promote independent learning and facilitate students’ development as lifelong learners. Students will gain foundational knowledge via the lectures, tutorials and online activities and apply this knowledge and develop their skills via assessments and self-directed research.
Preparation before class: Students are expected to have read and reflected on the required readings and/or short videos before class each week to make the most of the class activities and discussions. Students are encouraged to keep reflective records of their learning by noting what they have learnt and what remains unclear. This record enables students to better contribute their knowledge to class activities and discussions while guiding them on the areas that require further reading, research and guidance from academics.
During a class: In-class content is designed to build on your preparatory readings before class; extending or even problematising mainstream theories and practices with critical contemporary evidence. Face-to-face classes will incorporate active and collaborative learning strategies, including a variety of group activities.
After class: Quizzes will test knowledge from lectures and readings. The quizzes, along with interactive sessions in class, will offer formative feedback and provide opportunities for students to check their progress on the subject objectives with lecturers/tutors.
Online activities: In certain topics, students will complete an online activity in lieu of face-to-face classes. This will typically include videos and/or readings followed by a quiz or writing task. Please review the learning management system site carefully to ensure you complete the online activities.
Content (topics)
- History of diversity and its management in organisations
- Problematising inclusion (and exclusion)
- Mainstream diversity studies and critical diversity studies
- Intersectional identities and interlocking systems of power
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Multiple Choice Quizzes (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | The criteria used to assess student performance includes:
|
Assessment task 2: Reflexive Practice Journal (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 3 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% |
| Criteria: | The criteria used to assess student performance includes:
|
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
A collection of contemporary articles and book sections will be used in place of a textbook for this subject.