AUST1004 An Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

2014

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

INDG1000 has been successfully completed

Assignment(s); Tutorial presentation (peer assessed); Tutorial participation; Online Quiz.

This topic introduces students to a study of First Nation societies of Australia. The topic will integrate academic study of Australian history and the implications that result from such history. Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary dilemmas will be a focus, including opportunities to discuss issues with First Nations Australians. The topic includes field trips to Tji Tji Tjuta - Colebrook site, Eden Hills and Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

This topic is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Therefore the historical/colonial, post-colonial and contemporary issues as they affect Australia's First Peoples will be investigated. Rather than limit the focus on selected issues the topic will provide a broad understanding of issues and debates arising from the social, political and cultural interactions between and within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

This topic aims to:

• introduce students to a study of First Nations societies of Australia

• engage students in a critical understanding of Australian history from an Indigenous perspective

• introduce students to contemporary Indigenous issues and debates

• introduce students to questions of colonialism and post colonialism in Australian society

• analyse racism, ideology and identity and its relationship to power and class in Australian society

• introduce students to a range of inter-disciplinary approaches to Indigenous studies

• highlight the complexities of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia

• inform students of issues surrounding contemporary debates about sharing the Australian space - through a critique of Treaty, Reconciliation, local agreements vs global operations of power and Native Title

On completion of this topic students will have:

• developed skills to identify and critically analyse social issues from a range of perspectives

• developed the ability to understand and engage within cross cultural contexts

• examined the working construct of 'race' in contemporary societies

• acquired skills in working collaboratively on a group oral presentation

• develop skills in essay writing, including an academic argument and referencing