Diversity Studies

About the minor

A minor in Diversity Studies provides students with an applied understanding of cultural diversity in its many forms. Those who undertake this stand-alone minor will learn about the histories and experiences of minority groups, including people of colour, women, LGBTQI+ people and those with disabilities. On the one hand, Diversity Studies critically examines the various kinds of marginalisation caused by racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination. On the other, it offers creative ways to conceptualise difference as a cultural asset and use it as a tool for social transformation in an increasingly global world.

This minor will equip you with a wide range of frameworks for social justice and policy work in a number of professions as well as the confidence to work independently and collaboratively on important issues of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence. You will undertake units of study from a variety of programs, including Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Education and Social Work, Australian Indigenous Studies, Anthropology and Government and International Relations.

Requirements for completion

A minor in Diversity Studies requires 36 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:
(i) 6 credit points of 1000-level core unit
(ii) 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level units

First Year

Foundational to the minor is completion of one core unit of study, GCST1604 Introduction to Diversity Studies, offered by the Department of Gender and Cultural Studies, plus at least one of the 1000-level selective units GCST1601 Introduction to Cultural Studies, GCST1602 Introduction to Gender Studies and ANTH1001 Cultural Difference.

Second year

You will complete at least 12 credit points at 2000-level to broaden your knowledge of Diversity Studies in disciplines including Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, and Gender and Cultural Studies. Progression is achieved through breadth and depth, allowing you to explore areas such as race and ethnic relations, sexualities, youth, masculinities, indigenous health and communities.

Third year

You will complete 12 credit points at 3000-level, choosing from units in Government, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, and Gender and Cultural Studies. These options build on first and second year areas of study, and include issues such as the cultural politics of race, gender, security and human rights, health inequalities, social justice and social citizenship.

Contact/further information

Contact information for the Diversity Minor: Dr Jane Park and Dr Jessica Kean

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate expertise in a range of diversity issues and approaches to them.
2. Demonstrate independent and collaborative critical thinking and problem solving skills.
3. Demonstrate a high level of cultural competence in relation to diversity issues.
4. Work effectively in a range of settings to build broader perspectives on social issues.
5. Demonstrate an integrated professional, ethical and personal identity exhibited in the production of responses to social issues that draw on a range of methodologies.
6. Demonstrate understanding of how effectively to exercise professional and social responsibility to minority groups.
7. Demonstrate an innovative vision of social change, and more contextualised and systemic forms of understanding of institutionalised prejudice.