TM1360:03
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s History, Culture and Health
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
26 hours lectures, 24 hours tutorials. Semester 1.
Available to all students enrolled in undergraduate programs of the University.
Staff: Assoc. Professor J Elston.
This subject is an introduction to the health of Indigenous people in Australia and the health impacts of colonisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is examined, in local, state and national contexts and discussion held regarding specific diseases which contribute to excess causes of ill health and death. The current political views and approaches to addressing Indigenous health are considered and comparison is drawn of Indigenous peoples’ histories and health from the USA, Canada and New Zealand with those of Australia. The history of health service provision for Indigenous Australians is examined and the development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce is explored and discussed in the context of current issues and future needs.
Learning Objectives:
- understand the impact of colonisation on the past and present health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society and the major historical eras of Indigenous and colonial relations;
- become familiar with the current political thought processes today in relation to Indigenous affairs and health policy;
- appreciate the issues surrounding health service provision for Indigenous communities and the major milestones in the history of health service provision for Indigenous Australia;
- become aware of the impact of the histories and policies of other nations on the health of their Indigenous populations.
Assessment by examination (50%); project (20%); tutorials (30%).