KRS2070

Australian Aboriginal women

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: Full first year with one of ABS1, ABS2, GSC1801, GSC1803, GSC1804, HSC1807, WMN2000, WMN2031, WMN2110, WMN2130, WMN2240, KRS2020

Objectives To research and document issues related to Aboriginal women and to acquire an understanding of Aboriginal women from a historical and philosophical point of view. To appreciate differences between Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and other indigenous and ethnic women. Students are also expected to develop analytical skills appropriate to an understanding of Aboriginal women.

Synopsis A study of the role of Australian Aboriginal women, past and present. The main topics will include pre-contact role, the effects of contact, government policy, diversity of lifestyles, rural/urban contexts, gendered perceptions of Aboriginal women; issues of health, employment and family. Images and stereotypes of Aboriginal women through media, art and feminism are studied, as well as a comparative analysis of Aboriginal women and women from other minority and ethnic communities.

Assessment Tutorial paper and written summary (1000 words): 10%
* Assignment (3000 words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
* Attendance and participation: 10%

Prescribed texts

Bell D Daughters of the dreaming Allen and Unwin, 2nd edn, 1994
Bell D Law the old and the new 1980
Brock P Women rites and sites 1989
Gale F Women's role in Aboriginal society AIAS, 1978
Pettman J Living in the margins Allen and Unwin, 1992