Activism, Social Movements & Political Change in Australasia

Catalog description

This transdisciplinary seminar introduces students to key socio-political issues in contemporary Australasian societies and supports them in developing the necessary analytical, conceptual and organizational tools to better understand and facilitate social change. Through readings, films, excursions, guest speakers, and class discussions, students will consider the major social, political, and cultural themes of contemporary society and how they have been shaped by past thinking, policies, and practices. Of particular importance will be the impact of colonialism, issues of social justice and the question of human rights for Indigenous peoples, for those seeking asylum, and for other marginalized groups. Students will explore the impact and application of important theoretical concerns and relevant contemporary debates in Cultural Studies, Postcolonial Studies, and Indigenous Studies around questions of race, gender, class, disability, and sexuality in order to enrich their understanding of local, national, and global issues. To this end, comparisons with other settler colonial societies will be included in course discussions, enabling students to consider diverse identities, cultures, and histories in light of the critiques presented in this course. Finally, through case studies of successful social movements, students will develop their own analysis and application of key principles of effective advocacy, movement building, and transformative social changes. In order to register for this course, the student must be an active member of the Global College Student Group.