Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to appreciate the significance of education in promoting understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians; recognise that educational institutions may have fostered practices and cultural understandings that have disadvantaged Aboriginal students; and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical and current situations of Australian Aborigines, and of educational methods that will promote the success of all Australians.
Synopsis This subject will examine some of the major developments that have occurred in Australian Aboriginal education. It will cover historical, statistical, demographic and cultural aspects involved in the past and present Australian Aboriginal education programs, and will also study the extrinsic and intrinsic educational problems faced by Australian Aborigines in a non-Aboriginal school system, at preschool, primary, post-primary and tertiary levels. The important role that education must play in overcoming the social conflicts that exist between Australian Aborigines and non-Aborigines will be stressed; as will the nature and merits of special provisions, such as bilingual programs. Each student will undertake, in the latter part of the subject, a study of some aspects of Aboriginal education which is within his or her interest or experience.
Assessment Assignment (6000 words): 100%