• Semester 1 (Day)

Synopsis

The content and structure of this unit is such that it is more than an
historical/anthropological  account of Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait
Islander Australia. The issues raised in this unit will have more  far
reaching  impact than immediate content concerns. The content  of  the
unit  will  emphasise  the need for teachers to adopt  an  educational
stance  which reflects sound theoretical underpinnings in the area  of
bi-cultural  education  and an appreciation  of  individual  learner's
needs.  The  unit  seeks to confront the stereotypes  that  have  been
constructed   around  Australia's  indigenous  populations,   and   to
reconstruct those images on a basis of knowledge and understanding of,
and empathy towards, those people who were the original inhabitants of
this country. In the course of the unit, four major constructs will be
explored:  1. Contested views of contemporary indigenous identity;  2.
Aboriginal  and Torres Strait Islander social structures; 3.  Policies
in  relation  to  education and schooling for  Aborigines  and  Torres
Strait  Islander  peoples;  4. Racism as a  construct  in  policy  and
curriculum development.