Aboriginal Studies

2 units for each of Year 11 & Year 12 

Board Developed Category A

Exclusions: Nil

Course Costs: $10.00 

The Year 11 Course focuses on Aboriginal peoples' relationship to the Land, Aboriginal heritage and identity, and an historical examination of colonialism, racism and prejudice from pre-contact times to the 1960s. The course also includes the development of skills in culturally appropriate research and inquiry methods. It involves case studies.

• Part I: Aboriginality and the Land (20%)
  • Aboriginal peoples' relationship to Country
  • Dispossession and dislocation of Aboriginal peoples from Country
  • Impact of British colonisation on Country
• Part II: Hertitage and Identity (30%)
  •  The Dreaming and cultural ownership
  • Diversity of Aboriginal cultural and social life
  • Impact of colonisation on Aboriginal cultures and families
  • Impact of racism and stereotyping
• Part III: International Indigenous Community: Comparative Study (25%)
  •  Location, environment and features of an international Indigenous community
  • Comparison of the key experiences of the international Indigenous and an Australian Aboriginal community in relation to Aboriginality and the Land; and Heritage and Identity
• Part IV: Research and Inquiry Methods: Local Community Case Study (25%)
  • Methods and skills relating to; community consultation; planning research; acquiring information; processing information; communicating information.

The Year 12 Course provides for in depth study of legislation, policy, judicial processes and current events from the 1960s. During the course, students will undertake consultation with Aboriginal communities and will study the course through the experiences of national and international Indigenous communities. Students apply research and inquiry methods through the completion of a major project.

•  Part I – Social Justice and Human Rights Issues (50%)
  • A Global Perspective (20%) Global understanding of human rights and social justice
    AND
  • B Comparative Study (30%) A comparative case study on an Aboriginal and international Indigenous community, in relation to TWO of the following topics: Health, Education, Housing, Employment, Criminal Justice, Economic Independence
• Part II – Case Study of an Aboriginal Community for each topic (20%)
  • A Aboriginality and the Land – The Land Rights movement and the recognition of native title; government policies and legislation; non-Aboriginal responses OR
  • B Heritage and Identity – Contemporary aspects of Aboriginal heritage and identity, government policies and legislation; non-Aboriginal responses
• Part III – Research and Inquiry Methods – Major Project (30%) Choice of project topic based on student interest.

Particular Course Requirements

In both courses, students must undertake mandatory case studies. The project log will document all work completed, including the sequential development of the project and the nature and timing of community-based fieldwork.

Course Contact: Mark Storch, Head Teacher: Human Society & Its Environment