Aboriginal Women and Coloniality

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total expected time commitment is 102-hours across the semester, including class time.

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106-252 Aboriginal Women and Coloniality

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/

Aboriginal Women and Coloniality is a multidisciplinary subject looking at the various roles Aboriginal women have played in Aboriginal and Settler society. It examines stereotypical representations of Aboriginal women in colonial art and culture, the depiction of Aboriginal women in literature, cinema and fine arts, the role Aboriginal women have played in the economy as workers, as well as their roles as nurturers and carers, activists and community leaders. Theories and approaches from gender and post-colonial studies and new historicism will be utilised to provide the intellectual framework for this subject. The subject will conclude with consideration of the critique that female Aboriginal artists and writers have made of these representations, and the forms of self-representation produced in their work

On completion of the subject students should have:

• an understanding of the range of representations of Aboriginal women by Settlers and be able to carry out an informed analysis and critique of these representations;
• the ability to apply relevant methodologies from a range of contemporary critical theories;
• the ability to be conversant with the breadth of critique Aboriginal women have made of Settler representations and the manner in which they have redefined conceptions of Aboriginal women.

Tutorial participation and a 10-minute paper presentation, 10% (done throughout the semester), an essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), and an essay of 2500 words 60% (due in the examination period). 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.

A subject reader will be available.

• Coonardoo (K S Pritchard), Angus & Robertson
• Nice Coloured Girls dr. Tracey Moffat
• Talkin' Up to the White Woman: Indigenous Women and Feminism A Moreton-Robinson, UQP

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a developed understanding of relevant critical theories and methods and make informed decisions about their use and application in relation to Indigenous subject matter;
• be able to work effectively as an individual and member of class in producing new learning outcomes;
• engage in high-level use of a wide range of research applications and resources and make informed decisions in respect to their usage;
• be able to engage in an informed and reasonable discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities, that relate to the Aboriginal and Settler communities;
• have the ability to produce high quality written material that encompasses the complexities and sensitivities of Australian Indigenous Studies.