Indigenous Self-Representation in Contemporary Texts (ABST202)
Semester 1 / 2009

Texts

Box the Pony : Introduction Leah Purcell , 1999 single work criticism biography (taught in 2 units)
— Appears in: Box the Pony 1999; (p. 1-7)
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y separately published work icon Auntie Rita Rita Cynthia Huggins , Jackie Huggins , Canberra : Aboriginal Studies Press , 1994 Z126649 1994 single work biography (taught in 9 units)

"Most people call me Auntie Rita, whites as well as Aboriginal people. Auntie is a term of respect of our older women folk. You don't have to be blood-related or anything. Everyone is kin. That's a beautiful thing because in this way no one is ever truly alone, they always have someone they can turn to."

Rita Huggins told her memories to her daughter Jackie, and some of their conversation is in this book. We witness their intimacy, their similarities and their differences, the '"fighting with their tongues". Two voices, two views on a shared life.' (Source: Publisher's blurb)

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Description

This subject introduces students to a range of texts that represent Aboriginal people. Students will examine fiction, poetry, children's literature, feature film, short films and work for theatre . They will be introduced to the concept of 'genre' and will explore the ways that different texts be used to effectively represent the broad spectrum of Aboriginal experience in contemporary times. Through these texts, students will learn about various aspects of Aboriginal culture and identity as well as the importance of self-representation for Aboriginal people.

Subject Objectives:

On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to: 1. Identify the different conventions of genres used to represent Indigenous peoples. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between self-representation and identity as it relates to Indigenous peoples 3. Develop an understanding of the cultural and technological influences in contemporary Indigenous culture. 4. Apply key concepts relating to subject matter. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of writing and constructing texts from multiple Indigenous perspectives.

Assessment

Introductory Group Project 30%; Class Presentation and Paper 30%; Final Essay 40%

Other Details

Current Campus: Wollongong
Levels: Undergraduate
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