Overview
In this unit you will gain the knowledge, values and skills required for effective cross-cultural practice. You will examine the history of migration and migration policies and its impact on the experiences of culturally diverse communities in Australia. You will also explore key cross-cultural research literature for effective cross-cultural practice. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the impact of your personal and professional values on cross-cultural practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: SOWK11014; SOWK11015.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
I found this unit was very informative and relevant. I often found myself 'going down a rabbit hole' reading additional articles and journals related to cross cultural perspectives that I found intriguing.
Continue to offer additional resources — including podcasts, current articles, and practice-focused materials — to support students who wish to explore topics in greater depth.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Report
Drop-in sessions were valuable.
Continue to offer drop-in sessions to promote accessibility and support for students.
- Analyse the impact of migration and migration policies on the experiences of diverse communities in Australia
- Identify research on cross-cultural communication and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Analyse the applicability of Eurocentric theories for working with culturally diverse groups and apply cross-cultural perspectives to cross-cultural practice
- Identify research on cultural identity and acculturation and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Reflect on the impact of personal cultural and professional values in cross-cultural practice.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Case Study - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Case Study - 40% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQUniversity Library
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom access
- Zoom access: microphone and webcam required
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.sobolewska2@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Cultural Diversity & Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice - The Introduction
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch Welcome and Unit Introduction and the recorded lecture.
Go to Virtual Classes to find information about the scheduled interactive ZOOM sessions for the term.
Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your peers.
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Our Social Locations & Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Eurocentrism, Anti-Racism and Social Work
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census Date is next week. If you are experiencing difficulties with studies, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Australia & Its Multicultural "Others" - Policy & Practice
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Settlement: Establishing New Home & Finding Belonging
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Understanding the Cultural Self Due: Week 5 Wednesday (8 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Cross-Cultural Communication & Social Work
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Social Work with Culturally and Racially Diverse Families
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Social Work with Children and Young People From Culturally and Racially Diverse Backgrounds
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Mental Health and Cross-Cultural Practice
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Client Case Study Due: Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Cultural Safety & Service Delivery
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Cross-Cultural Practice & Disabilities
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Supporting Older Migrants and Refugees
Chapter
Please refer to Moodle for unit readings and learning materials.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please refer to Announcements on Moodle for key tasks and activities for the week.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least once a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
The aim of this assessment is for you to reflect on your own identity and values, and how these may influence your understanding of cross-cultural practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 5 Wednesday (8 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 7 Wednesday (29 Apr 2026)
Grades and feedback will be made available via Moodle.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Reflect on the impact of personal cultural and professional values in cross-cultural practice.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Cross Cultural Competence
2 Case Study
This assessment requires you to examine the cross-cultural issues experienced by the person in the case study by locating them within their family, cultural, structural, and societal contexts. The case study is uploaded onto Moodle. You will identify and critique the knowledge, theoretical concepts, skills, and values that would inform culturally safe and ethical practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026)
Grades and feedback will be made available via Moodle.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse the impact of migration and migration policies on the experiences of diverse communities in Australia
- Identify research on cross-cultural communication and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Analyse the applicability of Eurocentric theories for working with culturally diverse groups and apply cross-cultural perspectives to cross-cultural practice
- Identify research on cultural identity and acculturation and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Reflect on the impact of personal cultural and professional values in cross-cultural practice.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Cross Cultural Competence
3 Written Assessment
The aim of this assessment is to analyse how migration or refugee experiences intersect with experiences of vulnerability related to disability, mental health concerns, family stress, or ageing. You will consider the implications of these intersecting factors for culturally safe and ethical social work practice.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Exam Week Wednesday (10 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Assessments will be returned three weeks from submission. Grades and feedback will be made available via Moodle.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse the impact of migration and migration policies on the experiences of diverse communities in Australia
- Identify research on cross-cultural communication and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Analyse the applicability of Eurocentric theories for working with culturally diverse groups and apply cross-cultural perspectives to cross-cultural practice
- Identify research on cultural identity and acculturation and apply to cross-cultural practice
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Cross Cultural Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
