• Semester 1 (Day)
• Semester 1 (External)
• Semester 2 (External)

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 content of the unit will emphasise  the  need
for  teachers  to adopt an educational stance which reflects  a  sound
theoretical  and philosophical understanding in the area  of  cultural
education and difference in pedagogy and learning. 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
are  the  original inhabitants of this country. Throughout  the  unit,
four major constructs will be explored.

1.  Contested  views  of contemporary Australian Indigenous  cultures,
societies and identity;

2.   Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait  Islander  social  and  political
structures;

3.  Policies and practices in relation to education and schooling  for
Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

4. Racism as a construct in policy and curriculum development.