131-051 Aboriginal & Pacific Islander Histories

Formerly available as 131-253/353. Students who have completed 131-253 or 131-353 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 12.5 points of first year history, indigenous studies or Australian studies.

This subject approaches the histories of Indigenous peoples in Australia and the Pacific in relation to European colonisation and ongoing contact with European settlers, traders and colonial governments. A central focus of the subject is to encourage thinking and writing that revolves around the nature of colonial contact between Europeans and Indigenous people in their own land, and the immediate and long-term consequences of these interactions. Spanning the early colonial period to the era of nuclear testing, formal independence and 'post'colonialism, the subject will focus on the nature and continuity of colonial power relations; conflict; and resistance or survival. In particular we will consider how Indigenous peoples in Australia and the Pacific have responded to and effected colonial land dispossession and forced relocation and removal from land and families. This will all be considered in the context of critically examining historical debates and argument in Australia and the Pacific regarding the role of history in the present, and students will gain access to Indigenous perspectives as well as, and in relation to, non-Indigenous writing on the major issues and themes of colonisation in Australia and the Pacific.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A 1500 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), a 2000 word essay 50% (due at the end of semester), a 500 word journal 10% (end of semester), tutorial presentation, attendance and class participation 10%.