AUST1004 An Introduction to Aboriginal Studies

2018

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, arising from the social, political and cultural interactions between and within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to inter-disciplinary nature of Indigenous studies, and the diversity of First Nations peoples in Australia from an Indigenous perspective

• Engage students in developing a critical understanding of Australian history

• Analyse racism, ideology and identity and its relationship to power

• Highlight the complexities of identity construction

• Inform students of issues surrounding contemporary debates about sharing the Australian space

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

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

• listen, articulate and engage within broad cultural contexts

• examine the construction of 'race' in knowledge production

• work collaboratively on a group oral presentation

• undertake self-directed research, essay writing, including an academic argument and referencing