Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit is designed for students with little or no knowledge of Indigenous Australians. It provides an overview of the society and culture of Indigenous Australians before European settlement, the disastrous impact of white contact, the adjustment to living under Colonial white rule, patterns of resistance, Aboriginal political activism in the twentieth century and the movement to reconciliation. Particular emphasis is given to the Stolen Generations and the Federal Government's Apology of February 2008. The unit makes extensive use of documentaries ('The First Australians') and films such as 'Backroads', 'Rabbit Proof Fence' and 'Twelve Canoes', and the 'Bringing them Home' report.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Have an overview and understanding of Indigenous Australia;
2. Have an understanding of the impact and effects of the 'Stolen Generation' policy;
3. Be able to interpret and analyse individual testimonies of the Stolen Generation;
4. Be able to conduct research on Indigenous Australians at post-graduate level.

Assessment

Book/film review (1500 words): 15%
Stolen Generation individual testament study (2500 words): 25%
Long Research Essay (5000 words): 60%

Contact hours

One three hour combined lecture/seminar per week

Prohibitions

AIS4040, AIS4041