THL483 Christian Perspectives on Multiculturalism in Australia (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject provides an historical and sociological context for the study of Multiculturalism in Australia. It describes the processes by which Australia has become an increasingly multicultural and multifaith society and explores appropriate theological responses to these changes. The presence of the religious 'other' in a democratic western society impacts upon the way that Christian theology is now developed and expressed. This subject enables those who are developing a cross-cultural theology and ministry to situate their emerging work within the history of Australian debates on immigration and a range of settlement policies. It pays attention to key terms used in the Australian historical experience and subjects them to critical inquiry, and relates the discussion of the Australian situation to the developing international discourse on cross-cultural issues.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Distance	United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL483

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

Graduate Diploma of Cross Cultural Theologies Master of Arts (Cross Cultural Theologies)

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

- be able to situate the present practice of religious and cultural diversity within a critical appreciation of Australian history since 1788;
- be able to analyse critically the rhetoric used with reference to religious and cultural diversity;
- be able to define and critically evaluate the role which religion plays in a contemporary western democracy, with particular reference to the Australian context;
- be able to evaluate the impact of selected governmental policies on migrant and diasporic communities;
- be able to articulate ways in which Christian theology can be shaped in the light of the increasingly multicultural and multifaith nature of contemporary Australian society.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

1. The place of religion in Australian society since 1788; 2. The origins of the terms "multiculturalism" and "multifaith"; 3. Competing terms: assimilation, integration, multiculturalism. 4. Australia's multiculturalism: citizenship and identity; 5. The Development of the White Australia Policy, 1901-1945: historical and theological considerations; 6. The Dismantling of the White Australia Policy, 1945-1975: historical and theological considerations; 7. Multicultural, Multifaith Australia, 1976 to the present: historical and theological considerations; 8. The Emerging Migrant Critique; 9. Multicultural and Indigenous Discourses: historical and theological issues; 10. Multicultural Education: historical and theological issues; 11. Multicultural Age Care Policy: historical and theological issues; 12. Multicultural and faith issues in law, local government and the media; 13. The Future of Multiculturalism and the Religious Other: a theological analysis.

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