EDP1302

Australian indigenous studies

Dr J Edwards

6 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understanding about the origins of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies as evidenced by the Dreaming; be aware of the complexity and diversity of pre-invasion indigenous society; appreciate the impact and consequences of the European invasion on the lives of indigenous people in the past and present; identify the contemporary issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the initiatives developed by them and by Government to address these; appreciate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their continuing contribution to Australian society.

Synopsis This subject provides students with crosscultural knowledge which will develop their understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies. Emphasis will be placed on the way in which culture is shaped by the physical environment from which it emanated; how historical events have helped shape culture; how Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander culture have changed in response to the arrival of foreign cultures and people; valuing the heritage of indigenous people and their historic and continuing contributions to Australian society.

Assessment Research assignment (2000 words): 40% - Literature review (2000 words): 40% - Seminar presentation: 20%

Recommended texts

Blomfield G Baal belbora: The end of the dancing Alternative Publishing Co., 1986
Edwards C and Read R (eds) The lost children Doubleday, 1989
Singe J The Torres Strait UQP, 1989
Rauley C D The destruction of Aboriginal society Penguin, 1970
Reynolds H Aborigines and settlers Cassell, 1972
Wilmot E Pemulway: The rainbow warrior Weldons, 1987

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