IA3020 - Language and Culture in Indigenous Australia

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Indigenous Australian Studies

This subject provides a rudimentary knowledge of Australian languages, which are essentially Australian Indigenous languages; and to explain how these are inherently interrelated to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This subject will look at Indigenous languages in terms of their history since coming into contact with the English language and the processes of colonisation; discern these languages in respect to their varying states of being, including contemporary times; and investigate the range of strategies being used to contribute to their maintenance or restoration. A selection of Australian languages and their respective cultures from across the country will receive focus. But, specifically, students will examine (with permission), two Queensland languages, Gugu Badhun and Torres Strait Creole. This subject will provide a generalised overview about Australian Indigenous languages and cultures thereby fostering a foundation for many other Indigenous Studies units. Students will be introduced to issues and notions through online learning including the discussion board and e-mail, digital medium and reading materials.

Learning Outcomes

• identify how Indigenous languages are an important part of the cultural heritage of Australia and constitute a significant contribution to contemporary Australian mainstream culture;
• examine the complex nature of Indigenous languages by discerning the historical, social and societal issues related to using them including the development of pidgins and creoles;
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of Australian languages including the lexicon system and phonemic orthography of one sample Indigenous language;
• discuss the state of Indigenous languages in Australia today and the efforts being made to maintain or reclaim them; and infer what the future may hold for Australian languages;
• identify the difference between Australian English and the English based languages eg Kriol, Torres Strait Creole or Aboriginal English.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

IA2020 IA3002

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Coord/Lect:	Ms Lynette Mackay.
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU and Printed materials
Assessment:	other exams (50%); practical language activity (15%); online critical analysis (35%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Must have access to world wide web and LearnJCU

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.