UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PSYC 1021
Course ID icon
Course ID
204582
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
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.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to develop students' understanding of the knowledge, values and skills required to work effectively within Aboriginal Australian contexts in a manner which is culturally accountable to Aboriginal Australian Peoples and communities. The course will provide students with a foundation on which to consider the contemporary issues facing practitioners working with Aboriginal Peoples. Such issues include racism and the implications for practice; positive effects of cultural traditions on family, values, roles and parenting; power and powerlessness; critical analysis of privilege and whiteness; Aboriginal perspectives on historical and contemporary research and practice in psychology and counselling.

Course learning outcomes

  • Identify Aboriginal Australian perspectives in response to professional practice in psychology and counselling
  • Recognise the complexity of cross-cultural understandings of the past and current wellbeing of Aboriginal Australians
  • Examine the ethical dimensions of research, practice and the issues of accountability for professionals working in Aboriginal contexts
  • Reflect on racism, whiteness and the role of privilege and power in the profession and as a practitioner, and the impact of these upon Aboriginal Australians

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A