CQUniversity Unit Profile
INDG11015 Contemporary Indigenous Issues
Contemporary Indigenous Issues
All details in this unit profile for INDG11015 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will develop insights into the contemporary issues that are faced by Indigenous people in Australia today. It will assist you to consider and develop your knowledge of Indigenous peoples' political voice and representation; law and justice; health; education; employment; the Stolen Generations; and cultural expression. You will also develop skills in evaluating political and social debates and policies concerning Indigenous peoples' human rights in the contemporary context through critical and ethical reflection.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2021

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Identify key contemporary issues for Indigenous people in Australia
  2. Discuss contemporary issues for Indigenous people within the context of history, social structure and race relations
  3. Evaluate political debates and policies concerning Indigenous people and their relationship with non-Indigenous people
  4. Analyse questions of identity, voice and power in the representation of Indigenous people and issues.

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsft Office
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Vicki Pascoe Unit Coordinator
v.pascoe@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Week 1: Introduction: theory, issues & controversies.

This week provides core understandings and an important overview. You are provided with an overview in: how to use Moodle in this unit; protocol re respectful posting; the unit requirements re hours; overview of assessments and the basic requirements to be successful. You are provided with some basics in academic writing for this unit ensuring your writing is scholarly: understanding scholarship versus opinion. You are provided with an overview to the purpose of reading critically and developing your ethical perspective based on knowledge, not opinion.

You are introduced to core theory to assist your thinking. You are provided with an important overview to the theories of colonisation and settler colonialism. You are introduced to the ideas of the cultural interface. There is an overview to contemporary history and issues arising.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 due Week 8

Assessment 2 due Week 12

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Week 2: History and history writing: the power of the colonial and settler colonial perspective in shaping understandings of history: this provides an important background to contemporary issues is how they have been shaped by history.

You reflect on ideas and readings to consider the power of the colonial and settler colonial perspective in shaping understandings of history. There is an overview to this history, including the history wars and reflection on how this continues to shape the present, including Australia Day's date in the context of this history

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Remember forum posts for AT1

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Week 3: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander political participation & representation: from terra nullius to the recent present.

You reflect on the claim, history & enduring impact of the legal term terra nullius through readings and ideas. You explore the recent present participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Australian political system; patterns and mechanisms of exclusion which were used to dispossess Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians of political citizenship; the emergence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interest groups and organisations.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Remember forum posts for AT1

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Week 4: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Well-being under settler colonialism. We consider how settler-colonialism has impacted on health and well-being of Indigenous people.

We consider health in a holistic sense: social, physical and spiritual and the social determinants of health.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Remember forum posts for AT1

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Week 5: Stolen Generations

We consider the rationales underlying the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families; the consequences of these removals for individuals, families, communities and cultures; and critiques of these policies and the attempts to redress past wrongs

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Remember forum posts for AT1

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

No Module

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Week 6: Law and social Justice Issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This week reflects on understand crime including the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prisons and the implications of this in terms of their deaths in custody

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Work on Assessment 1 due Week 8

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Week 7: Education, colonisation and human rights: decolonising education.

This provides reflection on education as a tool of colonisation and the role of decolonisation. We examine the underlying issues related to the participation and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia's education system.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Work on Assessment 1 to submit next week.

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

Week 8:Treaty, sovereignty and makarrata: a sovereign people.

You reflect on readings and ideas on a settler-colonial ethical responsibility on Indigenous land. You consider the implications of Indigenous sovereignty; a sovereignty that was never surrendered. You think into Treaty and the issues about what a treaty might mean and your present and future path in Makarrata (coming together after a struggle).

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit Assessment 1


Drawing on forum postings and scholarly readings, describe and discuss two contemporary issues arising out of settler colonialism that impact on Indigenous people as per the task description Due: Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Week 9: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: art, music, dance, writing & film: An exploration into how Indigenous knowledges broadens the understanding of art and the cultural explosion of Indigenous peoples' contributions to art (music, dance, writing and film) in Australia and the world.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Work on Assessment 2

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Week 10: Restorative Justice and the idea of reconciliation: reflecting toward an ethical settler colonial positioning

You reflect on readings and ideas comparing the ethics that underlie reconciliation compared to restorative justice in the context of how you now understand settler-colonial ethical responsibility on Indigenous land. You begin to consider the issues about the limits of reconciliation to justice and human rights. You think into the nation-state Australia might become with Indigenous sovereign people.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Work on Assessment 2

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Week 11: Employment a human right: The high rates of unemployment and low income levels in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population arise out of broader social impacts of settler colonialism.We consider how education, marginalisation, racism and the failure of cultural recognition has impacted on work participation and the impact of these issues.

Chapter

See Moodle for readings and requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 due next week

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Week 12: Ethical Reflections on your learnings from the unit

This week is a reflection on your ethical reflections and journey. It is a consolidation to enable you to take your perspective now into the future of the nation-state in ideas, career and voice

Chapter

See Moodle for requirements

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit Assessment 2


Choice 1. Take two topics from weeks 6- 11 and describe and discuss these issues with reference to unit content and theory. Write a conclusion that reflects your considered ethical and intellectual position on these contemporary Indigenous issues. OR Choice 2: Treaty & Makarrata: a critical and ethical consideration (see task description). Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Drawing on forum postings and scholarly readings, describe and discuss two contemporary issues arising out of settler colonialism that impact on Indigenous people as per the task description

Task Description

Part A: You must post at least 3 discussion board postings on the forum over 3- 5 weeks. Each posting must contain two things: your reflection on the week AND how at least one reference influenced or developed your thinking on that weekly topic. One of these three posts must be a response to a unit peer/s- a peer who impressed or influenced your thoughts in their writing and reference they provided. Each post must explain how you were influenced and how/why the reference posted influenced your thinking.

Part B: Using references you used on forum and other scholarly references you have found or your peers found, write an essay that identifies and discusses two contemporary issues arising out of the impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous people (approximately 725 words each contemporary issue). Write a conclusion that reflects your considered ethical position on the interplay of settler colonialism and the contemporary Indigenous issues. You may draw on your postings or those of others to support your ethical view. (Your ethical view will be informed by scholarship and developed on your learning journey from your reading (cite references) and reflection. Include all references you have cited (minimum 5 references). The word limits to each section are suggestions

· Intro: what is settler-colonialism (guide 250 words)

· First contemporary issue (state the issue, describe and discuss issue & how settler-colonialism influenced this); (guide about 725 words)

· Second contemporary issue (state the issue & describe and discuss issue how settler-colonialism influenced this); (guide about 725 words)

· Conclusion & evaluation of your learning journey (guide about 300 words)

You must submit your essay with the cover sheet and rubric AND, as an appendix, a copy of your forum postings.

Word length: 2000 words.

APA referencing

More detail about the assessment can be found in the unit profile under the Information tab at the top of the page.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

In Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (21 May 2021)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria see rubric in Moodle for the rubric that will be used. Here is an overview:

  • Demonstrated capacity to use AND intellectually engage with relevant quality academic peer-reviewed references & theory (articles/books) to support your answer to the topic
  • Evidenced engagement & intellectual engagement demonstrated with unit readings & theory (& unit lectures/tuts as appropriate to question)

Clarity: 

  • Introduction: states aims, purpose and approach to question;
  • Body: clear, logical developed argument;
  • Conclusion: A coherent final position that reflects the arguments of the essay.

Overall: demonstrated clear critical reflection/ethical reflection: coherent, considered & informed by academic literature


Writing is at a university standard: referenced, grammatical & all parts of the question are completed. FORUM POSTINGS ATTACHED AS APPENDICES. APA referencing; font-size 11+, spelling & word length +/-10%

Referencing Style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 7th edition)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit in Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify key contemporary issues for Indigenous people in Australia
  • Discuss contemporary issues for Indigenous people within the context of history, social structure and race relations
  • Evaluate political debates and policies concerning Indigenous people and their relationship with non-Indigenous people
  • Analyse questions of identity, voice and power in the representation of Indigenous people and issues.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice
  • Social Innovation

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Choice 1. Take two topics from weeks 6- 11 and describe and discuss these issues with reference to unit content and theory. Write a conclusion that reflects your considered ethical and intellectual position on these contemporary Indigenous issues. OR Choice 2: Treaty & Makarrata: a critical and ethical consideration (see task description).

Task Description

CHOICE 1: Take two topics from weeks 6- 11 and describe and discuss these issues with reference to unit content and theory, including colonialism/settler-colonialism, racism and sovereignty/restorative justice:

The purpose of this written assignment is to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and critical reflection on these two contemporary Indigenous issues (week 6- 11) in the context of the content and theory (colonialism/settler-colonialism, racism and sovereignty/restorative justice) in the unit. You may draw on understandings and readings presented in Weeks 1-11 of the unit (as you see relevant) and those readings you have identified as relevant. Write a conclusion that reflects your considered ethical and intellectual position on these contemporary Indigenous issues. You may provide some small quotes from your postings or those of peers in this assessment to support other scholarly academic references or you may choose not to use such personal quotes. (Your ethical view will demonstrate how it is informed by scholarship and how it developed on your learning journey from your reading (cite references) and reflection. Include all references you have cited (minimum 5 references).

Word length: 2,000 words (references are not counted in the word count).

Alternative Choice (ONLY DO 1)

1. Treaty & Makarrata: a critical and ethical consideration (see task description).

Task description

Indigenous Australians have never ceded their sovereignty. Briefly outline Indigenous Australians proposal for a treaty and political representation.

Then critically reflect (using scholarly sources) on:

the enduring impact of ‘settler colonialism’ on contemporary Indigenous issues;

Indigenous Australians struggle for human rights, including cultural rights (e.g. UN declarations) and cultural rights;

Indigenous Australians ongoing contribution to the nation-state of Australia.

Conclude with a critical and ethical reflection on Indigenous peoples’ proposal for a treaty and political representation.

CHOICE 2: 

2. Treaty & Makarrata: a critical and ethical consideration (see task description).

Task description

Indigenous Australians have never ceded their sovereignty. Briefly outline the Indigenous Australians proposal for a treaty and political representation.

Then critically reflect (using scholarly sources) on:

the enduring impact of ‘settler colonialism’ on contemporary Indigenous issues;

Indigenous Australians struggle for human rights and restorative justice (e.g. UN declarations on Rights/cultural rights of Indigenous people);

Conclude with a critical and ethical reflection on Indigenous peoples’ proposal for a treaty and political representation and your informed view of restorative justice.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST

In Moodle


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

Demonstrated capacity to use AND intellectually engage with relevant quality academic peer-reviewed references (articles/books) to support your answer to the topic

Evidenced engagement & intellectual engagement demonstrated with unit content, unit readings & unit lectures/tuts & theory as appropriate to question

Demonstrated clear critical reflection/ethical reflection: coherent, considered & informed;

Clarity: e.g. states: aims, purpose and approach to question; Body: clear, logical developed argument; conclusion: A coherent final position that reflects arguments of essay; and

Writing is grammatical and clear. University academic standard evidenced: i.e. question addressed is stated; academic references; logical arguments; font size, spelling & word length +/-10


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
In Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify key contemporary issues for Indigenous people in Australia
  • Discuss contemporary issues for Indigenous people within the context of history, social structure and race relations
  • Evaluate political debates and policies concerning Indigenous people and their relationship with non-Indigenous people
  • Analyse questions of identity, voice and power in the representation of Indigenous people and issues.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice
  • Social Innovation

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?