Koori Centre Units of Study

Indigenous Australian Studies

As of 2008 the Koori Centre will be offering most of the Indigenous Australian Studies major units of study in alternating years. The pre-requisite unit of study, KOCR2600 Introduction to Indigenous Australia, will be offered in both semesters but other units may only be offered in alternative years.

For descriptions of Units of Study offered in 2010, please see the Indigenous Studies page

Even Years (2008, 2010, etc)

Semester One
KOCR2600 - Introduction to Indigenous Australia
KOCR2605 - Speaking Gamilaaray 1
KOCR2607 - Indigenous Creative Expression

Semester Two
KOCR2600 - Introduction to Indigenous Australia
KOCR2603 - Indigenous Health & Community
KOCR 2601 - Indigenous Land & Culture

Odd Years (2009, 2011, etc)

Semester One
KOCR2600 - Introduction to Indigenous Australia
KOCR2604 - Colours of Identity
KOCR2605 - Speaking Gamilaaray 1
KOCR2607 - Indigenous Creative Expression

Semester Two
KOCR2600 - Introduction to Indigenous Australia
KOCR2602 - Issues in Indigenous Rights
KOCR2606 - Torres Strait Histories & Experiences

For more information please contact the Koori Centre on 9351 6113 or nsmith@koori.usyd.edu.au.

The following units of study were introduced in 2006

Introduction to Indigenous Australia - KOCR 2600

This introductory unit of study will explore the historical, social and political contexts of the survival and growth of Australian Indigenous cultures and philosophies. These cultures have existed for at least sixty thousand years, yet have been interpreted and represented to the world from predominantly non-Indigenous points of view. This unit of study provides an introduction to Indigenous studies by critically examining “contact history” and resistance within a decolonising framework. (Prerequisite: 18 credit points) This unit of study is the prerequisite or co-requisite for most of the units of study listed below.

Indigenous Land & Culture - KOCR 2601

This unit of study traces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander relationships to country and place, and the continuities and dynamism of contemporary Indigenous Australian cultures. It will celebrate the fact that, despite the impact of colonisation, Indigenous Australian peoples have maintained unique identities and connections to land and sea. Through the themes of Indigenous Sydney, Connections to Place, and Cultural Continuity, this unit of study examines Indigenous belief systems, art, language, performance, and film. This unit of study will try to include excursions to relevant exhibitions around Sydney.

Issues in Indigenous Rights - KOCR 2602

In the second half of the 20th Century Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples began to culturally and politically recover from the effects of colonisation and assimilation. Having had fundamental human rights severely limited by state and federal legislation, and having experienced years of disempowerment, dislocation and social disruption, Indigenous peoples have sought to reclaim independent social and political power. This unit of study explores national and international developments in this history, addressing issues of political and social representation, and examining contemporary analyses of Indigenous rights to self-determination in legal, political and community spheres.

Indigenous Health & Communities - KOCR 2603

The continuing poor health status of Indigenous people is well documented. However, attempts at improving Aboriginal health have often been met with inappropriate policy and practice. The challenge in improving Aboriginal health lies partly in improving the knowledge of non-Indigenous Australians of the historical, cultural and contemporary issues which impact on health. This unit of study will provide opportunities for meaningful contact with Indigenous Australians as a foundation for building partnerships with Indigenous people to improve Aboriginal health.

Colours of Identity: Indigenous Bodies - KOCR 2604

Co-requisite : KOCR 2600 or KOCR 2100
Indigenous identity has been coupled with the colour of the body. In this unit students explore the multi layered facets of identity that are held in and on the Indigenous body. Indigenous perspectives on identity and non-Indigenous writings on the subject will be examined, as will, the Indigenous body and its representation both historically and contemporarily. The imposition of identity on the Indigenous body and current theories on Indigenous identity will be critiqued.

Speaking Gamilaraay 1 - KOCR 2605

Gamilaraay is an Indigenous Australian language from the mid northwest of NSW that is currently undergoing revitalisation. This Unit of Study will provide students with a basic competence in speaking, understanding, reading and writing Gamilaraay sufficient to recognise and construct simple utterances in the language, and to understand its relationships with other languages. Classes will take the form of three hour intensive oral workshops which progressively develop each student's abilities in the language. Assessment will be by short written assignments based on lesson content and an appraisal of individual oral/aural performance together with a short essay on Gamilaraay culture or a related topic.

Torres Strait Histories & Experiences - KOCR 2606

Torres Strait Islanders are often talked about as Australia’s other indigenous minority and many Australians know little about the region and its people. This Unit of Study will introduce students to Torres Strait societies through the themes of governance, migration and resource management. Students will learn about the diversity within Torres Strait communities and how Torres Strait Islander experiences of colonisation and responses to colonisation were and are as complex as those of Aboriginal people.

Indigenous Creative Expression - KOCR 2607

Prerequisite: 18 junior credit points
The concept of 'traditional' versus 'contemporary' is very much at the forefront of defining meanings for art works created by Indigenous artists. Typically works created by Indigenous artists are delegated to either one of these categories. This unit will examine the theoretical frameworks which position Indigenous artists, through the study of Indigenous artistic expression across a range of genres. It will provide students with the opportunity to engage with Indigenous artists on a formal and informal basis and to discuss complex issues pertaining to Indigenous works, in performance, literature (writing), music, dance and film.