Balgargal: Indigenous Cultural Immersion Experience

Abstract

This subject provides an opportunity for students to spend a minimum of two days in country with Australian Aboriginal Elders and/or Cultural guides, learning about local Aboriginal culture. Development of cultural competence requires not just knowledge, but also engagement of attitudes, values and skills. The subject facilitates this engagement by taking students out of the classroom and involving them in first-hand experience. Activities such as storytelling, yarning and walking in country are examples of Aboriginal teaching approaches which will provide an authentic way for transformative learning to occur. Through direct contact with Aboriginal Elders and/or cultural guides, the subject provides a way to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal Australians and the contemporary issues faced by Aboriginal people which impact upon their social and emotional wellbeing. This in turn will lead to reflection on attitudes and values.

Syllabus

The local history of the country where the camp is held.The principles of reciprocity and confidentiality and the application of these to behaviour whilst on camp.Ethical conduct and code of conduct for behaviour whilst on camp.Reflection and critical reflection and the importance of these skills for professional development.The geography and … For more content click the Read More button below.

The local history of the country where the camp is held.
The principles of reciprocity and confidentiality and the application of these to behaviour whilst on camp.
Ethical conduct and code of conduct for behaviour whilst on camp.
Reflection and critical reflection and the importance of these skills for professional development.
The geography and cultural traditions of the community where the camp is held.
The significance of family in Aboriginal well-being and identity.
Australian Aboriginal relationships with land and the interconnectedness of land, family and spirituality.
The significant issues for the Australian Aboriginal community where the camp is held and the way that these impact upon social and emotional well-being.
The role of psychology in the lives of Australian Aboriginal people both historically and currently and the way this impacts upon psychological practice.
Individual values and cultural identity.
The application of knowledge and experience gained at camp for future professional practice

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate critical reflexivity on the way that their experience at camp challenges their assumptions and the way in which they will use this experience to consider an Indigenous standpoint when working with Aboriginal Australians as future psychologists;

be able to demonstrate critical reflexivity on the culture, values and history of the discipline, and the way in which this will influence their future professional relationships with Australian Aboriginal people;

be able to demonstrate critical reflexivity on their cultural identity, values and ways of working and the way in which this will influence their future professional relationships with Australian Aboriginal people;

be able to demonstrate an understanding of the issues impacting upon the social and emotional well being of Aboriginal Australians today and the implications of this for psychological practice;

be able to demonstrate knowledge and the use of protocols, codes of behaviour and skills that are relevant for interacting with Australian Aboriginal people in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner;

be able to demonstrate an understanding of the way in which people in Australian Aboriginal cultures identify themselves in terms of family and the significance of this for psychological practice; and

be able to demonstrate an understanding of the local history of the country that they visit, the significance of Australian Aboriginal relationships with land and the implications of these for psychological practice.

Assumed knowledge

PSY114, or IKC101, or other knowledge, subject to the approval of the subject coordinator.

Enrolment restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a course offered by the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Science and should have completed first year, including PSY114 or equivalent subject. Students will be responsible for their own accommodation and living costs whilst on placement. The number of places available in this subject is limited because it is conditional upon availability in Aboriginal communities. It therefore may not be offered every year. Preference will be given to students completing a minor in Indigenous studies in Psychology. Please check availability with the subject coordinator.

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

This subject requires students to travel to an Aboriginal camp in NSW. The cost associated with travel and accommodation for the Subject Coordinator will need to met by the School. Students will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Handbook

PSY320 - Balgargal: Indigenous Cultural Immersion Experience