Aims of the course:

The aim of this paper is to prepare students to recognise local and global cultural diversity and to work in culturally appropriate ways with diverse others in contexts where educational outcomes are sought. This competency is well recognised globally as an essential attribute of a global citizen, and in educational contexts it is a baseline requirement for successful engagement with learners where development is a goal. Te Hononga means "the linking, the connecting and bringing together". In the context of this paper, Tangata is people, and so acknowledges the linking, connecting and bringing together of peoples and cultures. The word "Tangata" resonates with the University motto "Ko te Tangata" which means "for the people".

The perspective taken on this course:

Working in culturally appropriate ways requires respect; but first it calls upon the individual to recognise their own cultural positioning. Students will work in diverse groups, to learn about the multiple meanings of cultural appropriateness, particularly in relation to the learning stories of each of the course participants.

Aotearoa New Zealand was founded on the basis of a bicultural commitment to partnership with the Indigenous people, Māori. Thus, this paper will begin with a discussion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for both sides. Students will be required to learn and understand elements of Mātauranga Māori, including te reo and tikanga Māori, recognising that some will already have relevant skills and understandings. The notions of kaupapa Māori and Indigeneity will be discussed in relation to students' own cultural identity.

The implications of a bicultural commitment will be discussed in relation to the positioning of Aotearoa in the Pacific, and the role of its citizens in relation with other nations. From this understanding students will be encouraged to develop familiarity with the elements of another language or culture not their own.

All assessments are compulsory and must be submitted to successfully complete this paper. Please take the opportunity to ask questions about assessment tasks in tutorial briefings. If you need additional help with assignments, please contact the Learner Facilitator/student support team at the Tauranga campus.

This paper is supported by an online Moodle site. Notices and lecture guides will be distributed through this site, and all assignments must be submitted through the site.

Each week the site will be updated with information about the week’s lectures and any supplementary readings. You should check the class Moodle site on a regular basis.

Online web address: http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/ or you can click on the Moodle link on the university home page.

You can use the online web site for general questions, for giving feedback on how things are going, and for contacting your tutor. Any issues can be discussed with your tutor or the paper convenor through the Private Conversation forum on the Moodle site.