305739 (v.1) Indigenous Australian Oral History 502

Area:

Centre for Aboriginal Studies

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Tutorial:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Examination of the historical forces that have marginalised oral forms of knowledge production and control - modernity and imperialism, and privileged written forms of knowledge production and control. An Indigenous Australian affirmation of the role of the oral tradition of storytelling, history, genealogical and kinship accounts, significant sites, and knowledge transmission.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Demonstrated a strong understanding of the global historical forces which have privileged written history over oral history. Gained a good understanding of the cultural sophistication of Indigenous Australian oral history and the role of storytelling. Been able to identify and analyse the power relations of different forms of communication, both between cultures and within cultures.

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:

Neidje, B., (1989), A Story About Feeling, ed. K. Taylor,Broome, Magabala Books. Ong, W., (1982), Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word, London, Rutledge. Shaw, B., (1992), When the Dust Come in Between: Aboriginal Viewpoints in the East Kimberley Prior to 1982, Aboriginal Studies Press. Shaw, B., (1998), Is the Pen Mightier Than the Word?: A Comparison Between Oral and Written Sources on the east Kimberley Bushranger Major', Curtin Indigenous Research Centre Discussion Papers, Perth, Curtin University. Taylor, P., (1996), Telling Our Stories: A Guide to Making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History, Canberra, AIATSIS Press.

Unit Texts:

No prescibed texts.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Participation 25%, Short Critical Reflection on Guest Speaker's Presentation 25%, Short Essay on Issues Impacting Upon Oral Language 25%, Tutorial Presentation of Oral Story; The Tale and a Critical Analysis 25%. This is by Grade/Mark Assessment.

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