Indigenous History (HIST20088)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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In 1968 Australian Anthropologist WEH Stanner pinpointed a profound silence about the relationship between settler Australians and Aboriginal people. He argued settler Australian people unconsciously refused to discuss with Aboriginal people historical matters of their history, their possession and dispossession of Country. The legacies of this silence and dispossession have been profound. Since Stanner’s famous call to awaken Aboriginal history in Australia, much work has been done to create new foundations of Aboriginal history which continue to emerge. These histories often cross disciplinary boundaries of the academy including history, anthropology, geography, philosophy, science and more. As historian Bain Attwood has commented, in Australia the telling of Aboriginal history clashes with political agendas and with people. The legitimacy of Australia’s nationhood is often embroiled in Indigenous historiographical debate, and depending on whose experience of history is heard, different stories emerge.

During weekly lectures students will discover Charles Perkins' oral history narrative recorded by historian Dr Peter Read AM for the writing of his book entitled, Charles Perkins: a biography. Students will be introduced to oral history methodology, the ethics, politics and historiography of Indigenous history making in Australia across deep time and in emerging spaces as they complete further readings throughout this subject, in conversation with Perkins’ biography. Key moments of Perkins' life will be explored such as his legacy of the Freedom Ride and associated narratives including for example, segregation, assimilation and discrimination, land rights, Aboriginal identity and belonging, Indigenous political voice, self-determination and more.

During tutorial sessions students will be asked to think critically and to engage in discussion of Indigenous historical narratives using multiple source material and oral history archival material.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Identify and explore Indigenous ways of knowing and history making in Australia
  • Inspect key theoretical and political debate connected to the rise of Aboriginal history in Australia
  • Investigate key theoretical and political debated connected to oral history methodology as a methodological discipline in history
  • Identify, analyse and critically interpret oral history narratives and other sources across time that provide insight into Aboriginal history making

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Display critical and analytical skills
  • Be open to new ideas and perspectives
  • Communicate effectively
  • Manage time well
  • Demonstrate skills of critical thinking and clear communication. 

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

It is recommended students complete an introductory Indigenous Studies subject before engaging in this course.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Primary source analysis

  • 1000 words
Week 725%

Research essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%

Tutorial presentation (10 minutes)

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
From Week 7 to Week 1225%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorJulia Hurst
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours29 hours: 1 x 1.5-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks, and 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks (Week 2 - 12).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Julia Hurst: julia.hurst@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
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    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the 'last day to withdraw without fail') count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025