Aboriginal Studies aims to provide the historical, social and political context required to understand the ongoing nature of colonisation and its implications for all Australians. Australia’s status as a ‘first world’ nation within the global community necessitates better appreciation of the circumstances that have contributed to the current status of Indigenous peoples. Aboriginal Studies courses are informed through a balance of stories that are often ignored within mainstream Australian discourses, despite their foundational relevance to Australia’s identity and ongoing national development. There is a particular focus on decolonisation through an examination of the historical, political and colonial contexts that frame the relationship between Indigenous peoples, the state and settler societies.

Decolonisation is central to Nura Gili’s teaching philosophy and is underpinned by an understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. It fosters a respectful awareness of different systems of truths through an ongoing process of critical reflective practice examining the way we perceive the world. This plays a critical part in our aim to provide a supportive learning environment where students can build their capacity to act in a culturally safe and secure way. As part of the Nura Gili community, students play an important role in developing the intellectual and cultural foundations for decolonisation.

Aboriginal Studies may be taken as a minor sequence. This requires the completion of 36 units of credit in approved courses (listed below). Students must complete the program gateway course at Level 1 (ATSI1001), 2 core courses from Level 2 (ATSI2001, ATSI2002) and at least one course at Level 3 (ATSI3001, ATSI3002, ATSI3003, ATSI3004, ATSI3005). In addition students must also complete any two electives from the courses at Levels 1, 2 or 3.

Core gateway course - 6 UOC

Elective course

Core courses - 12 UOC

Elective courses

Elective courses - 6 UOC (minimum) from: