Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject will provide students with an introduction to the methodology of conducting oral interviews. Students will attempt to reconstruct Gippsland Ganai/Kurnai history from discussions and interviews with family and elders of the local Ganai/Kurnai community. Emphasis will be directed to the customs, beliefs and practices of the Ganai/Kurnai of Gippsland. Students will examine the social, economic and political organisation of family groups, interaction between tribes, initiation and burial rites practised. Students will discuss the various roles and status of men and women in traditional Ganai/Kurnai society. The subject concludes with an appraisal of the extent white impact has had on the destruction of oral history, language and customs of the Ganai/Kurnai of Gippsland. Where possible, the subject will incorporate guest lecturers from the local community. Excursions to local sites of significance and to the work of the Koorie Oral History program at the State Museum will be conducted.
Assessment Tape and transcript of oral history interview (1000 words): 30% + Essay (1500 words): 30% + Overview essay (1500 words): 40%