Critical Studies: Indigenous Australian Cultures, Histories and Contemporary Realities

You are viewing an older version of this academic item. To access a different version, adjust the year in the field above. For handbooks published prior to 2023, click the "Previous Handbooks" button at the bottom of the page.

Abstract

This subject develops knowledge of Indigenous Australian peoples' varied and diverse realities. It will enhance understandings of the effects of historical and contemporary policy and practices on the lives of Indigenous Australian peoples. It examines a range of social, cultural, historical, and institutional factors that impact on the contemporary experiences of Indigenous Australian and non-Indigenous Australian peoples using a relational framework. Students will apply critical thinking, analysis, and reflexivity skills to examine and evaluate how dominating systems impact effectiveness of engagement and service provision for Indigenous Australian peoples.

Syllabus

Module 1. Theorising standpointTopic 1. Understanding your own positioningTopic 2. Australian culture (theory and analysis)Topic 3. Social constructions of cultureTopic 4. Social constructions of Self and Other, binary thinking, power relationsModule 2. Individual and Collective Standpoint - Indigenous peoples' experience of Australian historyTopic 1. Connecting story, place, and professionTopic 2. … For more content click the Read More button below.

Module 1. Theorising standpoint
Topic 1. Understanding your own positioning
Topic 2. Australian culture (theory and analysis)
Topic 3. Social constructions of culture
Topic 4. Social constructions of Self and Other, binary thinking, power relations
Module 2. Individual and Collective Standpoint - Indigenous peoples' experience of Australian history
Topic 1. Connecting story, place, and profession
Topic 2. Social constructions of knowledge
Topic 3. Indigenous Australian experiences of Australian history
Topic 4. Cultural competence within the profession: opportunities for change
Module 3. Applied Practice
Topic 1. Project planning
Topic 2. Ethics
Topic 3. Professional practice
Topic 4. Cultural competence strategies

Assessment items

1. Individual self-reflection

2. Professional Statement

3. Professional Planning Document

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to critically analyse and theorise individual and collective standpoint in relation to Indigenous peoples' experiences of Australian history;

be able to examine critical race and culture theories to identify the function of hegemonic structures and analyse the impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the past and present;

be able to reflexively critique the professions to interrogate the impact of dominating social and cultural norms on intercultural engagement and service provision;

be able to analyse and evaluate the factors that have shaped historical and contemporary engagement with Indigenous communities and evaluate the effects of deficit paradigms; and

be able to create, evaluate and present a professional practice framework that demonstrates ethical professional practice, and to apply principles to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous Australian communities.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed IKC403 as it shares similar content.

Incompatible