KNL1001 Indigenous Cultural Identity

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Other requirements
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

RATIONALE

Culture is a principal basis of identity. Individually, within groups, nationally and internationally, identity governs social interaction. Understanding how identity is assigned is a vital part of relating to culture and social organization. Consequently an understanding of culture and society is essential in an examination of cultural identity. To understand contemporary cultural identities, we must examine the historical influences that moulded current realities of particular groups and specifically for Australia, of our two Indigenous cultural groups - Australian Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders. Both Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders developed differing cultures within their own groups. This course exposes the learner to parts of the histories of these peoples. Such knowledge contributes to an appreciation of Australia's Indigenous groups' identities with that of all communities and their relationships within multi-cultural Australia. The Australian identity begins with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures: beliefs, histories, languages and lifestyles. Knowledge of culture and society will lead to an understanding of the diversity, complexity and richness of cultures from pre-history to present. Based on archaeological evidence and oral histories, this course investigates the realities of traditional Indigenous identity before and after the European invasion of Australia. The British annexation of this continent, beginning in 1788 and continuing over a period of more than two centuries, led to the subjugation of unique Indigenous Australian identities, replacing them with an identity based on British/European cultures and social structures. Subsequent immigration and the diversification of cultural composition have led to a diminution of national, notional and group identities. It is important to examine how Australians perceive national and group identities. Such notions of identity will affect the intercultural relationships in Australia's future.

SYNOPSIS

The content of this course explores concepts of Indigenous identity at a variety of levels: individual or personal identity, group identity, international perceptions of identity from indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives, an historical view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and identities, ideas of contemporary Australian identity, and a view to the future. During this course of study, learners will be introduced to: Cultural, social and environmental factors affecting personal and group identity, Events and concepts affecting notions of Australian identity, Indigenous social and cultural identities and how these have been affected by historical events, The effects of media and literature on development of views of Indigenous Australian identities, Possible futures in Australian notions of identity and inclusiveness.

OBJECTIVES

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Display an understanding of the roots of their individual identity based on familial and social circumstances. (Assessment 1)
2. Discuss the impact of culture and social organisation on identity (Assessment 1)
3. Display knowledge of identity among international indigenous and non-indigenous groups (Assessment 1, 2)
4. Demonstrate an appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity based on concepts of Creation, spirituality, law, kinship structures, language (Assessment 2, 3, 4)
5. Discuss the maintenance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities since invasion, occupation, and subsequent government policies. (Assessment 3, 4)
6. Relate the importance of literature, art, music and dance to the maintenance of cultural identity. (Assessment 2, 3, 4)
7. Debate the unique part which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played in Australian society and history, and their role in the development of contemporary and future Australian identity. (Assessment 2, 3, 4)

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Attwood, B 1989, The making of the Aborigines, Allen and Unwin, Sydney.

Austin, J (ed) 2001, Culture and identity, Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest, NSW.

Dudgeon, P, Oxenham, D & Grogan, G 1997, Learning identities and differences, Curtin Indigenous Research Centre, Perth.

Dunbar, R, Knight, C & Power, C (eds) 1999, The evolution of culture: an interdisciplinary view, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, NJ.

Hartley, J & McKee, A (eds) 1996, Telling both stories: indigenous Australians and the media, Arts Enterprise, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley, WA.

Healey, K (ed) 1993, Indigenous peoples, Spinney Press, Wentworth Falls, NSW.

Kidd, W 2001, Culture and identity, Palgrave, Basingstoke.

Oxenham, D, Cameron, J, Collard, K, Dudgeon, P, Garvey, D, Kickett, M, Kickett, T & Roberts, J 1999, A dialogue on indigenous identity: warts'n' all, Gunada Press (CIRC), Perth.

Sharp, N 1993, Stars of tagai: the Torres Strait islanders, Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.

Singe, J 1989, The Torres Strait: people and history, University of Queensland, Brisbane.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

300 - 500 words

2.

1000 words

3.

1750 words

4.

750 words

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximize their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   Students must negotiate with the course examiner for extensions prior to the due date of their assignments. Students should read University Regulations 5.6 - Assessment
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must submit all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in any examination and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   This is not applicable for this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the course examiner.
3. Students are advised to read all relevant information contained in the course introductory book regarding assessments.

This version produced 27 May 2008.