Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences

About this course

This unit examines contemporary culture as a construct through initiating the education of students in Indigenous issues. With particular focus on the world’s oldest living, continuing culture, students learn concepts of imperialism and colonialism, the diversity of Indigenous Australian people and culture, and a basic understanding of issues that define our experiences as Australian citizens in a postcolonial society.

Fundamental Indigenous concepts are introduced, including respect and relationships, connection to country spirituality, and kinship. Students will learn to challenge existing knowledge of Indigenous cultures and encouraged to form their own connections to help underpin their knowledge of contemporary culture.

Content

• The roles of colonialism and imperialism in Australian society
• Culture as a construct; the role of race and racial identity
• Diversity within Indigenous cultures
• Connections to country and local Wurundjeri culture
• Sovereignty of Indigenous cultures and knowledges
• The roles of narrative and storytelling in cultural identity
• Concepts central to Indigenous culture including The Dreaming, kinship structures, non-linear time and gendered knowledges
• Indigenous cultures in contemporary society

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