IKC102 Indigenous Australian Cultures (8)


This subject introduces students to the richness and diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures. It explores the all-encompassing spiritual belief system that forms the foundation of Indigenous Australia worldviews, law and lore and outlines the nature of the classificatory system of kinship which a creates a web of relatedness, uniting people to people and people to country and its flora and fauna. It examines the economic organization of Indigenous Australian societies, including systems of trade, and the sustainable land management practices which have ensured survival and adaption to climatic and environmental changes across time. It also introduces students to the archaeology of Indigenous Australia and the role of archaeology today.
 

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
Dubbo Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: IKC102. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Indigenous Australian Studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the spiritual, social and economic structures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
  • be able to identify the similarities and differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
  • be able to describe the archaeology of Indigenous Australia and discuss the role of archaeologists today
  • be able to compare and contrast archaeological understandings of the past with Indigenous worldviews
  • be able to explain the holistic and interconnected nature of Indigenous Australian cultural systems

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • What is 'culture'?
  • Cultural and lingistic diversity of Indigenous Australia
  • The Dreaming and creation of country
  • The archaeology of Indigenous Australia
  • The classificatory system of kinship
  • Totemic systems and relations to country
  • Economic organistation and systems of trade
  • Sustainable land management
  • Indigenous law and ceremony
  • Songlines and painting country

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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