General Information
This subject's general objective is to help students understand how cultural factors shape and affect human behaviour. This subject covers broad spectrum cross-cultural issues. Topics include sex and the culture; who am I in this world; aggression and warfare; health, stress and coping across culture. At the end of the subject, students will have a better appreciation of cultural groups and learn how to consider cultural issues to interpret personal experiences and cultural diversity issues in various settings. Lectures and tutorials will feature experiential learning approaches and multimedia.
Details
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC12-225 |
| Subject title: | Cross-Cultural Psychology (January 2027) |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2027 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
Delivery & attendance
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: |
Resources
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | PSYC12-225 |
| Subject title: | Cross-Cultural Psychology (January 2027) |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2027 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
| Class recordings: | The primary workload items for this subject will be recorded for the purpose of revision. These recordings are not a substitute for attending classes. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as there may be instances where a session is not recorded due to the presence of a guest speaker, the inclusion of sensitive or protected content, or technical issues. Students are advised not to rely solely on these recordings for revision. See the Recording policy for further details. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. All Psychology programs are accredited in the sequence presented and designed to provide students with learning and graduate outcomes in line with APAC accreditation standards. In order to meet these outcomes, students in the Undergraduate program should complete PSYC11, then PSYC12, and finally PSYC13 subjects in the order sequenced. |
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
Assessment details
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Pitch | Seminar Presentation: This will involve a PowerPoint presentation pertaining to a topic within cross-cultural psychology. | 20.00% | Week 3 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 | |
| Essay | Literature Review, APA 7th style: Students will conduct and write up a literature review relevant to material covered in cross-cultural psychology. Further details will be provided in class | 30.00% | Week 10 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| Take-home Examination | The final examination is to be a take home open book exam completed in CADMUS. A set of exam questions are released on the Friday of week 11 to be completed by submission in CADMUS on the Friday of week 12. | 50.00% | Week 12 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Pitch | Seminar Presentation: This will involve a PowerPoint presentation pertaining to a topic within cross-cultural psychology. | 20.00% | Week 3 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 | |
| Essay | Literature Review, APA 7th style: Students will conduct and write up a literature review relevant to material covered in cross-cultural psychology. Further details will be provided in class | 30.00% | Week 10 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| Take-home Examination | The final examination is to be a take home open book exam completed in CADMUS. A set of exam questions are released on the Friday of week 11 to be completed by submission in CADMUS on the Friday of week 12. | 50.00% | Week 12 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
Understanding cross-cultural psychology
Core definitions and issues within cross-cultural psychology: epistemology (systems of knowledge), approaches to understanding cultural similarities and differences, and theoretical approaches to cross-cultural psychology.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Research methods in cross-cultural psychology
Explore the methodologies used in cross-cultural research, with a focus on their strengths and weaknesses. Discuss some of the scientific and research design principles that cross-cultural research needs to consider.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Acquiring Culture
How do we learn about the culture or cultures we inhabit? Discussion on the process of enculturation – how we learn and internalise culture.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Human Development and Culture
The cultural similarities and differences in human development: which developmental trajectories are universal, which are culture-specific, and what does this tell us about how we grow up?
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Culture and Identity
How does culture influence your sense of self? Discussion on how culture can shape our sense of identity, and self-concept.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Cross-cultural approaches to personality
Personality can be thought of as a set of enduring traits, characteristics, and attitudes. But do these qualities differ cross-culturally, and how can we conceptualise personality in a cross-cultural context?
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Emotion
Examine cultural differences in the conceptualisation and experience of emotions and the extent to which these varying experiences can be explained by contemporary models of emotion.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Cognition, Sensation, Perception, and Culture
Examine how culture can influence our sensory experiences, our susceptibility to perceptual illusions, our sense of reality, and our understanding of intelligence.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Indigenous Psychology
Focuses on an Indigenous Australian perspective of psychology. Particular attention is given the historical involvement – or lack of – by Psychologists, and incremental changes in clinical and professional practice involving Indigenous Australians.
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Language, Communication, and Culture
What is the relationship between culture and language? What is the impact of growing up in a monolingual cultural context versus a bilingual cultural context? How do we understand others, and avoid cross-cultural misunderstandings of verbal, written, and physical language?
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Social Perception and Social Cognition
Examine how people from different cultures develop attitudes and opinions of one another – what attributes do they value, do these differ between cultures, and who is held responsible for transgressions?
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Psychological Disorders
Explores how different cultures conceptualise psychological disorders. Is depression experienced the same across the world, or are there fundamental differences in how people with depression feel? Discuss alternative approaches to psychotherapy in different cultures: how and why might there be cross-cultural differences in how psychological disorders are treated?
SLOs included
- Explain key theories, empirical findings, and historical trends in cross-cultural psychology, including cultural variation in development, identity, cognition, emotion, and psychological disorders.
- Apply knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
- Analyse theory and research when investigating psychological questions in cross-cultural psychology.
- Write a literature review on a cross-cultural psychology topic using APA conventions.
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards when evaluating cross-cultural psychology research.
- Apply culturally responsive principles when interpreting cross-cultural research findings, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.