Leader: Ms Isabel Ellender

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit takes a broad view of indigenous health in Australia and beyond. It examines the social, cultural, historical, economic and political factors that underlie the health contexts of indigenous Australians. A better understanding of these factors must precede the generation of solutions to improving indigenous health outcomes. Wherever possible, the unit uses and looks for the indigenous voice and perspective rather than the mainstream public health perspective of its earlier format, or a purely clinical approach. It emphasises the diversity of Australian indigenous communities and their health contexts, therefore seeking widely for different approaches to improving indigenous health.

Objectives

On completion of this unit participants should be able to:

1. Assess the complexity and dynamism of indigenous communities;
2. Describe indigenous concepts of health, wellbeing and illness;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between indigenous concepts of health and mainstream health systems at the individual, family and community level;
4. Articulate the importance of social justice, human rights, and cultural factors to local, national and international Indigenous health;
5. Critically evaluate strategies for improving Indigenous health; and
6. Demonstrate critical reflection about your own professional practice and attitudes to all aspects of indigenous health (social, cultural, historical, economic and political).

Assessment

Discussion of proposed essay or project (10%)
Literature review and annotated bibliography - 1500 words (25%)
Major Essay - 3000-3500 words (50%)
Discussion of findings for discussion forum (15%).