Aboriginal Writing (INDG30004)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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This subject studies Aboriginal fiction, poetry and drama, as well as life stories and criticism, focusing on questions of reading positions (particularly for non-Aboriginal students) and representation. It pays particular attention to the diversity of Aboriginal writing in terms of form, content, voice and place and examines the manner in which the reception of Aboriginal texts has been conditioned by political and economic factors. On completion of this subject students should understand the problematics of Aboriginal writing in the context of postcolonial Australia, and its relation to everyday life.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • critically analyse the diversity of Aboriginal texts with respect to content, form and discourse;
  • identify and interpret Aboriginal English, creole and vernacular expressions;
  • express an informed reading position capable of critique yet sensitive to the politics of Aboriginal writing;
  • apply critical analysis and close-reading skills to diverse texts by Indigenous authors;
  • critically assess the problematics and reception of Aboriginal writing in the context of postcolonial Australia, and its relation to everyday life.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • Have developed an understanding of relevant critical theories and methods
  • Be able to work effectively as an individual and member of class
  • Be competent in the use of a wide range of research applications and resources
  • Communicate complex ideas clearly and comprehensively
  • Produce high quality written material in a timely manner.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects

AIND20006 Aboriginal Writing

AIND30011 Aboriginal Writing

Recommended background knowledge

37.5 points of 2nd year subjects in Australian Indigenous Studies.

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Tutorial participation and 10-minute class presentation

  • 800 words (equivalent)
Throughout the semester20%

An essay

  • 1200 words
Mid semester30%

An essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops.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: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

Not available in 2025

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

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  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025