Units
Indigenous Australian Culture Studies
Unit code: EDB038
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit encourages an appreciation of the two distinct indigenous cultures of Australia and how external forces to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures caused social, economic and political changes. It looks at traditional family life and organisation.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2012 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Indigenous Australian peoples have distinctive cultures and histories - distinct from each other and distinct from the popular versions of history taught in schools. Although distinct, no Indigenous culture has escaped the impact of the subjugation of the Australian continent by the invading peoples and subsequently by the imposed laws, customs and institutions. The responses to this invasion are as diverse as the groups themselves.
Aims
This unit will serve as an introductory unit and concentrates principally on giving students understanding of Indigenous cultures within Australia through contextualising these cultures within the framework of Australian pioneering history and contemporary identity. This history and identity has emerged on the basis of legal and philosophical beliefs in 'terra nullius'. While this doctrine was legally overthrown by the High Court in 1992, the power that resides in institutions established on this basis remains unchanged. This myth of 'terra nullius' is a legal and social phenomenon that must be given consideration in any study of Indigenous cultures in this country.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Understand the concepts of culture and acculturation as they apply to Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in the context of history and Australian identity;
- Acknowledge the diversity, complexity and position of Indigenous Australian Cultures within local, national and global contexts;
- Analyse the impact of dominant cultural assumptions and ideologies on representations and treatment of Indigenous peoples with Australia;
- Appreciate the range of arguments in debates on Indigenous rights to the land;
- Investigate and evaluate social justice arguments and their relevance to historical and contemporary context including institutional and governmental policies and practices.
Content
The content of this unit broadly includes
- Indigenous knowledges and standpoints
- Culture and Race Theories
- Colonial and post colonial representations
- Colonisation theory and practice
- Hidden Histories
- Resistance / Frontier conflict
- Genocide
- Contributions of Indigenous knowledge to development of Australia
- Resistance
- Consequences of our Shared History and impact on Indigenous Australians.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be conducted via a mixture of lectures, tutorials and on-line material. Emphasis will be placed on student critique, research, investigation and presentations. This unit will not be about Indigenous cultures as national exotica therefore students will not be spectators but active participants in the learning process. Students are strongly encouraged to engage in class and on-line discussions, as exploring their own perceptions - and discovering misperceptions - are central to facilitating a deeper and broader understanding of the issues.
Assessment
N/A
Assessment name:
Reading Review
Description:
Part A - In class week 3 to 10. Part B - Week 10
Students will be required to evaluate and annotate a selection of texts from a variety contexts and author positions. Part A - One text analysis is presented in class. Part B - Annotated Bibliography (1000 words).
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
3-10
Assessment name:
Stimulus Response
Description:
Students are required to respond to four separate stimulus items.
Maximum total 2000 words (for all items, 500 words each item)
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Scheduled Weeks
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
In class exam covering key concepts and personal reflections.
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Participation and Attendance
Description:
This mark will be assessed according to your attendance and your participation in class activities and tutorial discussions.
Relates to objectives:
N/A
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Ongoing
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.
Resource materials
A book of readings will be made available in Week One by the Oodgeroo Unit. In addition, students will be required to apply their own research skills to source further readings to support their understanding of this subject.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 03-Nov-2011
