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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

311952 v.1 Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Major


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This major offers both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students the opportunity to gain understanding of the cultural diversity and cultural ways of Indigenous Australians. Students examine, from Indigenous Australian perspectives, the cultural, social, economical, and political issues that confront Indigenous people. All the units in this major are underpinned by principles of social justice and are informed by emergent Indigenous Australians critical theory. They are highly recommended to students interested in a professional career working alongside Indigenous Australians.


Major Overview Note

Students choosing this major within the Bachelor of Arts degree will also choose another major or an elective stream. Choosing a second major allows students to study in an additional discipline area. Choosing an elective stream allows students to undertake further study in the discipline of their first major or choose from a variety of units from around the University.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

Students should complete Introduction to Indigenous Australians 101 and Indigenous Australian Spirituality 101 in first year.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. identify and explain the complexity and diversity of Australian Indigenous cultures, worldview, identities, spiritual beliefs and their relationships with one another

2. recognise and evaluate issues of cultural significance in order to work effectively with Indigenous Australian people and Indigenous communities

3. locate, evaluate and synthesise information from various sources relevant to Indigenous issues

4. examine and reflect on their own attitudes and assumptions about Indigenous people and how best practices and ways of working when communicating with Indigenous people can be met including knowledge of appropriate cultural protocols

5. use technology to access resources, communicate effectively and develop research skills

6. recognise the importance of and reflect critically upon the life-long learning journey in partnership with Indigenous peoples.

7. contextualise local and national Indigenous issues alongside international pan-Indigenous issues and the impact of globalisation

8. work in culturally appropriate ways and apply Indigenous cultural competencies as defined by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies that acknowledge, empower and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' rights to fairness, social justice and human rights

9. recognise Indigenous organisational structures and use best practice models


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
301068 v.4   Media and Indigenous Australian Issues 213 3.0 25.0
312254 v.1   Indigenous Australian Land and Environments 201 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312255 v.1   Indigenous Australian Arts 202 3.0 25.0
312352 v.1   Indigenous Australians and Commerce 300 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 1
312256 v.1   Indigenous Australians in the 21st Century 301 3.0 25.0
13196 v.5   Working in Indigenous Australian Contexts 300 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
312261 v.1   Indigenous Australian Research 301 6.0 50.0
  50.0




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