Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit focuses on theoretical and cultural issues involved in 'studying' Australian Aboriginal Women; 'traditional' roles of Aboriginal women and their place in colonial and contemporary Australian society. It will also focus on European constructions of Aboriginal women's identity, the place of Aboriginal women in the state and the nation; Aboriginal women and feminism; media constructions and stereotypes of Aboriginal women; Aboriginal women's cultural autonomy; gender issues in land rights; and Aboriginal women's present needs and future aspirations. It will also look at the lives of Indigenous women in a global perspective.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students should have acquired 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; and 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's lives.

Assessment

Written work: 90% (4000 words)
Oral Presentation 10% (500 words)

Chief examiner(s)

Karen Hughes

Contact hours

2 hours per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

History
Australian studies
Australian Indigenous studies
Anthropology

Prerequisites

First-year sequence or permission of coordinator

Prohibitions

AIS3070, AIS2170, AIS3170