Aboriginal Writing

Subject AIND30011 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5-hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

102-hours

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

37.5 points of 2nd year subjects in Australian Indigenous Studies.

Non Allowed Subjects:

106-045 Aboriginal Writing; AIND20006 Aboriginal Writing

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Mr Philip Morrissey

Contact

Philip Morrissey

philipjm@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject studies Aboriginal fiction, poetry and drama, as well as life stories and criticism, focusing on questions of reading positions (particularly for non-Aboriginal students) and representation. It pays particular attention to the diversity of Aboriginal writing in terms of form, content, voice and place and examines the manner in which the reception of Aboriginal texts has been conditioned by political and economic factors. On completion of this subject students should understand the problematics of Aboriginal writing in the context of postcolonial Australia, and its relation to everyday life.

Objectives:

Students who complete this subject will:

  • develop appropriate skills in reading Aboriginal English, creole and vernacular expressions;
  • appreciate the diversity of Aboriginal texts with respect to content, form and discourse;
  • develop an informed reading position capable of critique yet sensitive to the politics of Aboriginal writing.
Assessment:

Tutorial participation and a 10-minute class presentation, 10%, an essay of 1500 words, 30% (due mid-semester), and an essay of 2500 words, 60% (due at the end of the semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Bran Nue Dae (J Chi), Currency
  • No Sugar (J Davis), Currency
  • My Place (S Morgan), Fremantle Arts
  • Gularabulu (Muecke & Roe), Fremantle Arts
  • Shark (B Pascoe), Magabala
  • True Country (K Scott), Fremantle Arts
  • Watershed (F Bayet-Charlton), IAD
  • Swallow the Air (T Winch), UQP
  • Plains of Promise (A Wright), UQP
  • Sweet Water ........ Stolen Land (McLaren, Magabala)
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • have developed an understanding of relevant critical theories and methods;
  • be able to work effectively as an individual and member of class;
  • be competent in the use of a wide range of research applications and resources;
  • communicate complex ideas clearly and comprehensively;
  • produce high quality written material in a timely manner.
Notes:

This subject can be credited towards the English & Theatre Studies major or minor.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
English Literary Studies Major
English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies

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