EDU1141 Australian Indigenous Studies (FOEDU)

Semester 2 (ONC)Toowoomba (ONC)Fraser Cst (ONC)Springfld

Units 1.0 (Education Studies) Band 5

State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, in the state of Queensland are required to possess a current suitability card (Blue Card). (See "Other Requirements" for further information.) Also see: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html.

Synopsis

The content and structure of this course is such that it is more than an historical/anthropological account of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. The content of the course will emphasise the need for learners to adopt an appropriate approach which reflects a sound theoretical and philosophical understanding in the area of cultural interaction pertinent to the discipline or career path. The course seeks to confront the stereotypes that have been constructed around Australia's indigenous populations, and to reconstruct those images. This will be based on knowledge and understanding of, and empathy towards, the people who are the original inhabitants of this country. Throughout the course, four major constructs will be explored: (i) contested views of traditional and contemporary Indigenous Australian cultures, societies and identity; (ii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and political issues; (iii) policies and practices in relation to interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; (iv) racism as a construct in government and non-government policy and practices.