GSC2804

Contemporary issues in Koorie society

Greg Douglas

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Gippsland - Prerequisites: Passes in 75% of first-year subjects

Objectives Students successfully completing this subject will have acquired skills in recording and transcribing oral histories and will have developed a better knowledge of local Koorie history.

Synopsis It is in the areas of health, education and employment that Koories suffer the greatest disadvantages. This subject examines the causes of these problems and focuses upon different strategies which aim to redress the problems. Similarly, the inadequacies of the prison system's treatment of Koories is examined. The consequence of disproportionately high imprisonment levels amongst Koories is examined in the light of deaths in custody and the subsequent Royal Commission. Positive initiatives studied include the development of the 'outstation' movement and Koorie radio. The political activities of Koories are also studied, which in turn leads to a consideration of the role of Koorie women, particularly in the area of land rights.

Assessment Essay one (1500 words): 25% - Essay two (2000 words): 35% - Overview essay (2500 words): 40%

Prescribed texts

Berndt R M (ed.) Aborigines and change AIAS, 1983
Howard M (ed.) 'Whitefella business': Aborigines in Australian politics Institute for the Study of Human Issues, Philadelphia, 1978

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