305620 (v.1) Indigenous Australian Spirituality 101

Area:

Centre for Aboriginal Studies

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Tutorial:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Understanding of the way Indigenous Australian spirituality and religion encompass and embrace both the physical and metaphysical aspects of all life forms - humans, animals, plants, the land, and so on. This distinctive spiritual perception is compared with and contrasted against other spiritual and religious forms and traditions. Past and contemporary religious practices are explored.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Been able to identify the key features of Indigenous Australian spirituality. Identified some of the significant similarities and differences between Indigenous Australian spirituality and other religious systems. Demonstrated an understanding of the historical forces that have impacted upon this spirituality. Recognised the ways in which spiritual beliefs inform contemporary cultural beliefs and practices.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Charlesworth, M. Morphy, H. Bell, D. and Maddock, K., (1984), Religion in Aboriginal Australia; An Anthology, Brisbane, University of Queensland Press. The Rainbow Spirit Elders, (1997), Rainbow Spirit Theology, Blackburn, HarperCollins Religious. Williams, L.M., (1989), Blackout, (Videorecording) Aboriginal Program Unit, ABC. Stockden, E., (1995), The Aboriginal Gift: Spirituality for a Nation, Alexandria, Millenium. Swain, T., (1993), A Place for Strangers: Towards a History of Aboriginal Being, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Unit Texts:

Pattel-Gray, A., (1996), Aboriginal Spirituality: Past/Present/Future, Blackburn, Harper Collins Religious.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Participation 20%. Research essay or Case study 40%. Short critical reflection piece on guest speaker 20%, Tutorial exploration of comparative spiritual beliefs or critical self-analysis 20%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y		Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y