IA2016 - Australian Indigenous Politics

Available to all undergraduate students who are eligible to take a level 2 subject.

This subject introduces students to the political, social and cultural issues that impact upon Indigenous Australian communities today. The subject explores Mabo and Native Title, Government Legislation and Reconciliation. Today's colonialism and the struggle for autonomy are critically analysed to discuss whether the current policy of self-determination impedes or advances Indigenous Australians aspirations for controlling their own destinies. Although historical trends are acknowledged in terms of the continuities of colonialism, the focus is on Indigenous communities today. It is essential that students have access to the World Wide Web to complete this subject. Those students who do not have access to email must contact the Subject Coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

• analyse the impact of specific legislation and policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• examine the Mabo case and the fight for Native Title;
• discuss the intergenerational effects of past practices and the impact on contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
• discuss the complexities of contemporary Indigenous peoples struggle for autonomy and debate the efforts and initiatives that have been undertaken by Indigenous people to work towards self-determination;
• critically analyse the concept of reconciliation and how this may be achieved.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.