AIS2070

Australian Aboriginal Women ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Liz Reed

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit focuses on theoretical and cultural issues involved in studying Australian Aboriginal women: 'traditional' roles of Aboriginal women and their place in the colonial economy; European constructions of Aboriginal women's sexuality; the place of Aboriginal women in the state and nation; Aboriginal women and feminism; media constructions and stereotypes of Aboriginal women; representations of Aboriginal women in film; present needs and future prospects, and comparisons with Maori and South African women.

Objectives: Upon completion of this unit students should have: 1. Gained an understanding of the roles of Australian Aboriginal women historically and in their communities today, and of the ways in which academic knowledge of Aboriginal women has been constructed. 2. Developed an awareness of the value of interdisciplinary approaches to a study of this kind, and of the importance of Aboriginal oral testimonies, as well as the uses of film and other media in the study of Australian Aboriginal women.

Assessment: Class project (1500 words): 25% + Research Essay (3000 words): 75%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: First-year sequence or permission of coordinator

Prohibitions: AIS3070, AIS2170, AIS3170