131-230 Resisting Colonialism: Australia-Pacific

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

The course looks at the histories of European colonialism and economic imperialism in Australia and the western Pacific, in relation to anti-colonialism and Indigenous peoples' responses and resistance. The course will consider the nature and continuity in the region of Indigenous peoples' overt political activism and resistance, such as peaceful protest, political coups and civil wars; more ambiguous forms of protest through cultural movements and practices like "cargo-cults", music, sport, theatre and dance; and the philosophies and critical theories that accompanied the historical emergence of both grass-roots and global Indigenous movements in the anti-colonial and so-called postcolonial eras. Students will gain access to Indigenous perspectives as well as and in relation to non-Indigenous writing on the major issues and themes considered in the course. In addition students will be encouraged to engage critically with the nature of decolonisation and emergent post-colonialism in the context of related debates and arguments 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) and tutorial presentation, attendance and participation 10%.