Undergraduate GRF-HSY210-2021

Aboriginal Political Histories

Run through the history of racial exclusion in Australia since 1788. Debunk the myth that Indigenous peoples were passive when oppressed. Take a closer look at activists, writers and thinkers who fought for Indigenous rights across the years.

Duration

13 weeks

Study method

100% Online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

31 May 2021

With a network of campuses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from more than 122 countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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Subject details

What you'll learn

The subject contests historical representations of Indigenous peoples as passive and merely responsive in the face of oppression and exclusion. It examines how individuals and organisations were pro-active, creative, and engaged in seeking participation and inclusion, and contextualizes their engagement with the political environments in which they existed.

At the completion of this subject you will have acquired:

skills in research, study and succinct writing
an understanding of the political and historical contexts of Aboriginal activism
a familiarity with some key Aboriginal thinkers in Australian history
the ability to place political agendas within their cultural contexts.

Topics covered

- Warriors and Rebels
- Interpreters and Guides
- Petitions and Adjustments: Wyballena 1846, Corranderk 1863, Yirrkala 1963
- Progress and citizenship: FCAATSI 1958, stockmen's wages in 1963, 1967 Constitutional referendum
- Workers and Strikers: Torres Strait lugger strike 1936; Pilbara workers strike 1946; Palm Island and Yarrabah strikes 1957 and the Gurindji walk-off 1966
- Thinkers and Writers
- Social activism: Freedom Ride 1965 and Tent Embassy 1972
- Legal battles: Gove Land rights case 1971, Murray Island land claim, Wik-Mungkan Native title, Torres Strait sea claim
- Reconciliation, participation and national leadership

Entry requirements

Others

Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

Examine the way in which Aboriginal persons and organization have dealt with the various practices of racial exclusion in Australian since 1788. Trace the biographies of some activists to compare the aspirations, programs, methods and strategies deployed from sporadic localized activism - to co-operation, to protest and resistance movements and the prevailing ideas and attitudes that formed the parameters of such engagement.

Assessments

Essay 1 (30%)
Presentation — Powerpoint (30%)
Essay 2 (40%)

Textbooks

Current study term: 30 May 21 to 29 Aug 21

Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.

Related degrees

Undergraduate GRF-ART-DEG-2021

Bachelor of Arts

10 available majors

Major in Art History
Major in Creative Writing
Major in Criminal Justice
Major in History
Major in Journalism
Major in Literature
Major in Media Studies
Major in Public Relations
Major in Screen Culture
Major in Sociology