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Aboriginal Cultures and Spirituality (IS2002M/ IS3002M/ IS9002M)

Overview 

This unit is designed for students who wish to learn about Aboriginal cultures and spirituality in both its ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’ versions. The unit will introduce students to the key language, concepts and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and spirituality. It will also contrast these ways of doing and seeing life with that of the dominant Australian culture. Some work will be done on the status of Aboriginal cultures and spirituality in some Aboriginal forms of Christianity.

Assessments

1.      Oral Presentation. Weighting 30%

A 20-minute oral presentation via Zoom, followed by a class discussion led by the presenter, both reviewing the reading set for a particular topic. A written version of the presentation to be submitted one week after the oral presentation is given.

2.      Critical Review. Weighting 20%.

A written review of one of the books or TV episodes set for the unit, critically assessing the capacity of the work to creatively engage traditional culture from a contemporary standpoint.

3.      Essay. Weighting 50%.

An essay or multimedia presentation reflecting critically on the ways in which contemporary Aboriginal culture and spirituality is both different to, and continuous with, older traditions. The unit guide will provide further information. 

Teaching & Learning Plan

This subject will involve:

  • One Intensive week at St Francis College from 21-24 July 2025

  • Online preparation & reading 2.5 hours per week 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the key concepts at play in traditional Aboriginal culture and spirituality.

  2. Articulate the ways in which contemporary Aboriginal forms of spirituality engage with colonial influences.

  3. Analyse the ways in which contemporary Aboriginal life is both continuous with, but also different to, traditional ways of life

  4. Articulate ways in which Aboriginal culture might be helpfully seen as a gift to wider Australian culture and spirituality.


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We acknowledge all First Peoples of the land on which live, walk and work. We honour them and their Ancestors for their survival, continued traditions and spiritual connection to and caring of country, land, sky, water and sea. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and will continue to support their right to self-determination. We are committed to Reconciliation and respectfully recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded.