James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

TM5510 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Subject Description

This subject develops student knowledge and understanding of the historical, social and cultural context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, identity, and social and emotional wellbeing. This is achieved through the construction and translation of knowledge into practice for students. Students will take a strengths-based approach to working with communities and explore opportunities for collaborative ways to improve health. The subject provides a critical overview of precolonial lifestyles of Indigenous Australians, the impact of colonisation and government policies that have shaped 'Indigenous experiences of dispossession, colonial rule and racism', and how these have influenced the interactions between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians today. Demographic, mortality and morbidity patterns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be critically evaluated and compared rates among non-Indigenous Australian populations and international Indigenous peoples. Students will examine how the social determinants of health influence environmental and individual risk factors for non-communicable, communicable diseases and mental health across the lifespan of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cross cultural communication and practice will be explored to inform effective and meaningful collaboration, consultation and communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and their communities. Students will critically engage with Australian Indigenous health policy and the design of models of health service provision

Learning Outcomes

• analyse historic and current Indigenous Australian health policy
• examine current and emerging public health challenges for chronic and communicable diseases in rural and remote Indigenous Australian communities in the 21st Century
• reflect upon characteristics of culturally safe health practitioners and design culturally competent health service delivery
• evaluate the impact of historical events and contemporary social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health and social and emotional wellbeing

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Other exams - (30%)
• Invigilated > Presentations - (30%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (40%)

Note that 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.

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