Aboriginal Studies

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Aboriginal Studies?

There are no prerequisites for the course, but it is assumed that students have an interest in First Nations history, society and culture.

Why study Aboriginal Studies?

• to think critically about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples

• develop a heightened understanding and appreciation of the concepts of social justice and shared histories

• to explore Aboriginal history and culture as fundamental parts of Australian identity

• use skills of analysis, research and debate for the rest of your life

• learn to analyse a range of media used to communicate First Nations cultures, languages and spiritualities

• develop analytical skills, the ability to pursue independent research and the ability to develop coherent arguments

• to take an active role in the process of reconciliation that will help make you an informed citizen.

Course description:

Aboriginal Studies develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples and the concept of ‘shared histories’ with a view to enabling students to be active and informed citizens in promoting a just society for all Australians.

Main topics covered:

Year 11 Course: Pre-contact to 1960s (120 indicative hours)

Part I – Aboriginality and the Land (20% of indicative course time)

Part II – Heritage and Identity (30% of indicative course time)

Part III – International Indigenous Community: Comparative Study (25% of indicative course time)

Part IV – Research and Inquiry Methods: Local Community Case Study

An aspect of the local community from pre-contact to the present (25% of indicative course time)

Assessment Information - There is no external examination in Year 11. Students will be assessed through three formal assessment tasks, one of which is the yearly examination.

HSC Course: (120 indicative hours)

Part I – Social Justice and Human Rights Issues

A – Global Perspective (20% of indicative course time) AND

B – Comparative Study (30% of indicative course time)

Part II – A case study of an Aboriginal community for each topic (20% of indicative course time)

• Aboriginality and the Land OR

• Heritage and Identity

Part III – Research and Inquiry Methods – Major Project (30% of indicative course time and 40% of internal assessment)

HSC examination structure:

It will be a 3 hour examination plus five minutes reading time. The examination will consist of three sections:

Section I – Social Justice and Human Rights Issues (55 marks)

This section will consist of three parts.

• Part A: Global Perspective (25 marks)

• Part B: Comparative Study (15 marks)

• Part C: Global Perspective and Comparative Study (15 marks)

Section II – Research and Inquiry methods (15 marks)

Section III – Options (30 marks)

Options include Aboriginality and the Land OR Heritage and Identity.

How is Aboriginal Studies relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

Aboriginal Studies is a unique experience for both Aboriginal students and non-Aboriginal students. Aboriginal students are provided with an opportunity for cultural affirmation and positive educational experiences while non-Aboriginal students are able to ‘learn together’ with Aboriginal peoples and communities. The course promotes awareness of social justice issues, use of critical thinking skills, and understanding of government policy making and the development of research and written communication skills. All students are encouraged to take an active role in the process of reconciliation which enables students to become active and informed citizens.