Course overview
A history of Aboriginal/European relations in colonial Australia, focusing especially on South Australia. The issues addressed will include land rights, Aboriginal responses to colonisation, frontier violence, government policy and administration, missions, Aboriginal engagement in the colonial economy, and European representations of Aboriginal people. As well as examining 'what happened', the course will also examine how aspects of this history have been remembered in regional communities, and within the national community. Special attention will be given to the development of research skills, especially the analysis of primary source materials, and students will be required to develop an original research project.
Course learning outcomes
- An understanding of the nature of relations between Indigenous peoples and European settlers in colonial Australia
- Locate, identify and analyse relevant primary and secondary sources in order to construct evidence-based arguments
- Think independently and critically, using appropriate methodologies and technologies, to engage with historical problems
- Communicate effectively, in a range of spoken and written formats, within the conventions of the discipline of history
- Demonstrate a proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies both to communicate results and to communicate with others
- Demonstrate the skills of an historian which are appropriate for performing a range of professional roles, undertaking leadership positions, and sustaining lifelong learning, including: information technology skills to manage data and to communicate, skills in collaborative and self-directed problem-solving, a habit of academic rigour, and sensitivity to intercultural and ethical issues
- Show a sensitivity to the diversity of historical cultures and the ethical implications of historical enquiry within a global context
- Demonstrate a critical, self-reflective approach to the study of history, based on respect and mutual responsibility