Contested Ground: Aborigines in Colonial Australia

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
HIST 3009
Course ID icon
Course ID
206974
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
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Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

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

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed HIST3069 Contested Ground - Aborigines in Colonial Australia at the University of Adelaide

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.