EEP420 Understanding Indigenous Communities and the Child (8)

Abstract

This subject aims to build student cultural competence by supporting students to develop a positive understanding of Indigenous communities in contemporary Australian society and to consider issues arising for children. Students are required to investigate local Indigenous communities from the perspective of connection to land, language, spirituality and culture. Students are expected to understand how these connections have impacted on and shaped the identity and place of 21 Century Indigenous children in Australia. This subject is designed to connect students to local communities, and through this to understand the strengths Indigenous children contribute to the learning environment.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 3
Distance	Dubbo Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EEP420
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Teacher Education

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
1. Be able to demonstrate cultural competence and the ability to work effectively as educational professionals
2. Evaluate the impact of historical, political and economic events that have impacted on the local Indigenous community
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the connection of community to land, language, spirituality and culture
4. Demonstrate an understanding of influences that shape an Indigenous child’s identity in contemporary Australian society
5. Develop an understanding of the Indigenous child from a strength-based model

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Connecting with the Indigenous community by building understanding of cultural competence including protocols required to work in Indigenous communities;
Historical overview of policies that have impacted on Indigenous Australians that focuses on the binary between Western and Indigenous worldviews;
Connections to land, language, spirituality and culture;
Influences that shape the child focusing on identity development and using the strengths of the Indigenous child to develop learning;
Critique the impact of 'cultural whiteness';
Examine identity formation and its effect on educational relationships.

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