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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.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

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.

Field of Education:

 90311 Indigenous Studies

HECS Band (if applicable):

1  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Informational  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 1Y Y
2004Bentley CampusSemester 2Y  

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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