Enrolments for 2022 have closed.
Aboriginal Political Histories
Undergraduate | GRF-HSY210 | 2022
Course information for 2022 intake View information for 2024 course intake
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.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Aboriginal Political Histories
About this subject
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.
- 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
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.
- Essay 1 (30%)
- Presentation — Powerpoint (30%)
- Essay 2 (40%)
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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.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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