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Unit outline_

INDG1002: Introduction to Indigenous History

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study focuses on the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation, exploring key social, political and legal events, issues and debates, and the people behind them. Students will learn about important historical events and social issues in areas such as civil and political rights, land rights, self-determination and reconciliation, developing an understanding of how these events and issues have shaped the shared history of Australia. The unit introduces a decolonising methodology that will underpin further work in the major.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Indigenous Academic Units
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lorraine Towers, lorraine.towers@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Amy Davidson, amy.davidson@sydney.edu.au
Tracey-Anne Cameron, tracey.cameron@sydney.edu.au
Lorraine Towers, lorraine.towers@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation Tutorial Presentation and Submitted Work
Oral presentation in class making use of pp (submitted) with discussion.
25% Multiple weeks
Closing date: 24 Nov 2024
1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task EFR Online Quiz
Online Quiz on two weeks class content #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 11:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Assignment Critical Review of Digitised Source
Critical consideration of a digitised historical item, context and meaning.
30% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 28 Oct 2024
1250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Research Essay
An analytical written response to a set question.
40% Week 12
Due date: 21 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Percentage Word length (effective) Date Due
1. Online Quiz (EFR) 5 500 16/8/24
2. Tutorial Presentation and submitted work (Power point 25 1000 as assigned
3. Critical Review of a Digitised Source 30 1250 16/9/24
4. Research Essay 40 1750 21/10/24

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared.
  • Superior clarity in presentation and expression with attention to detail in all aspects evident.
  • Persuasively articulates argument displaying clear focus & academic rigour. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument.
  • ​Displays an exceptional understanding of subject/discipline specific content and practices.
  • Uses recommended referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid as well as professionally prepared.
  • Fluent and succinct communication style appropriate to the assessment task. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is appropriate and accurate.
  • Communicates effectively using a variety of relevant, imaginative, fluent and professional presentation styles and communication methods. Evidence of deep reflection on the presentation. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Considered use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Justifies relevant conclusions and their implications.
  • Displays an excellent understanding of subject/discipline specific content and practices.
  • Uses recommended referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.
  •  

Credit

65 - 74

  • Strong organisational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared.
  • Communication is mainly clear, fluent and appropriate to document. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is accurate.
  • Uses a variety of discipline-appropriate formats to communicate confidently & effectively. Evidence of reflection on the presentation. Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Displays a good understanding of subject/discipline specific content and practices
  • Uses recommended referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Demonstrates task organisation and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing.
  • Communication is appropriate to the assessment task and is mostly fluent and clear. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation mostly accurate.
  • Communicates competently in a variety of formats appropriate to the discipline and report procedures in a structured manner using relevant information. Evidence of sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Displays an understanding of most of the subject/discipline specific content and practices
  • Uses recommended referencing style with minimal errors. Effective use of relevant quotations.

Fail

0 - 49

  • Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical & coherent understanding of the assessment task but some aspects may be confused or undeveloped.
  • Meaning apparent but not always fluently or clearly communicated. Grammar, spelling, language and/or punctuation may display minor errors. Some evidence of applying School’s style guide.
  • Communication is unstructured and unfocused and/or in a format inappropriate to the discipline. Not all material is relevant and/or is difficult to understand. May be evidence of insensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions.
  • Does not meet the required level of subject/discipline specific knowledge of content or practices
  • Many errors or no use of conventions in referencing. Fails to meet University’s academic honesty policy.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

FASS policy: 5% late penalty per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Making history; 2. Coursework review and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories, includes Film discussion: First Australians (episode 1, Rachel Perkins); Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 3. Invasion/settlement-is that the question?; 4. Settler colonialism: Aboriginal dispossession, engagement and resistance; Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 5. Material culture – museums bring histories into the future?. 6. Histories Meeting Place Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 9. Film: First Australians discussion (episode 3, Rachel Perkins) 10. Mary Jane Cain: the audacity of local resistance. Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 7. Protection: Early Policies and Experience 8. Missions: 'pioneering' and protest; Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 11.Early Sydney: Aboriginal lives hidden in plain view. 12. Still fighting back: civil and political rights in the early 20th century Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 13. ‘Assimilation’, and the elaboration of race 14. Film discussion: Lousy Little Sixpence (Alec Morgan and Gerald Bostock); Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 15. Stolen Generations Guest Speaker 16. Colonial Occupation, Indigenous Removal and Incarceration Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 17. Labour activism and land rights in 'remote' areas 18. Life in rural NSW (new lecture TBC) Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 19. The 1967 referendum, civil and political rights. 20. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy: land rights and self-determination. Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 21. Film Ningla A'na (Allessandro Cavadini) 22. Mabo and Native Title: history and significance Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 23. Songs, memory, identity and making history. 24. Another referendum: Reconciliation, Truth telling, and Treaty Tutorial (responses to lectures, readings and tutorial questions). Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required and recommended readings are located in the CANVAS reading list

Please note:

  1. Completing the required readings is essential to your engagement with the lectures, full participation in the tutorials, and in preparing for the assessments and achieving the outcomes of the unit.

  2. You are expected to complete one required reading for each of the two lectures per week as a minimum. Where more than one reading is listed as required for each lecture you may choose which of the readings to complete.

  3. The e-readings accessible from the CANVAS site link are prepared by the library and will not include any resources publicly available through the internet.

  4. Where chapters exist as part of an e-book, the library posts a link to the whole book rather than a pdf copy. In these cases refer to the reading lists in the tutorial questions to identify the precise chapter you should read (except re recommended readings).

  5. If the e-reading link is not working please inform the library or contact ICT if it appears to be an issue with your access (not the coordinator please unless the reading is wrong or unavailable according to the library).

 

 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate your developing knowledge of key events, processes and people in Indigenous Australian history
  • LO2. effectively evaluate and discuss the research, production and presentation of Indigenous history in Australia
  • LO3. contribute to debates about Indigenous Australian history and its significance in contemporary Australia
  • LO4. effectively communicate their knowledge through high level oral and written communication skills;
  • LO5. critically identify and use information through a variety of media and technologies
  • LO6. demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy and curiosity for new information and perspectives
  • LO7. be informed, aware and respectful of social, cultural and linguistic diversity, and maintain a respectful collegiality in class.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit has continued to develop new content, particularly on events and experience that have a direct resonance with contemporary legacies and issues; and also has developed its focus on historical methodologies and evidence, all with a view to furthering a decolonial approach. Your feedback on the unit is encouraged so that the offering and delivery can be continually improved.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.