Leader: Associate Professor Marlene Drysdale

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Leongatha Second semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura Second semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit looks at the impact of colonisation and government legislation on the health and well being of Indigenous Australians. It also provides students with an overview of the complexity of Aboriginal health and ill health and examines access to health care systems and evaluates how Indigenous communities, remote, rural and urban practice self determination in the delivery of health care and well-being. The unit also moves the student from being a culturally aware to a culturally safe health professional.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Reflect on and understand Australian Indigenous cultures, their social organisations, and Indigenous perspectives on health and well-being.
2. Discuss the impact of colonisation and past and present policy on Australian Indigenous peoples' health at the organisational, community, and individual level.
3. Identify and discuss a variety of explanations for Australian Indigenous health and ill-health.
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of indigenous worldviews, speaking positions and goals in relation to health and well-being.
5. Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to improving Australian Indigenous health and well-being.
6. Critically analyse information sources and be able to develop and sustain arguments in oral and written communication.

Assessment

Online Short Answer Test (1000 words) 20%; Essay (2000 words) 30%; Two Hour Examination (2000 words) 40%; Tutorial Attendance (80% attendance required) 10%.

Contact hours

2 hr lecture/tutorial per week.