Two students standing near Indigenous artwork
MJRU-INAUC

Indigenous Australian Culture

Undergraduate major

Gain the understanding to challenge dominant worldviews and prepare for diverse roles that require knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, history and connection to Country.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Indigenous Australian Culture Major
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline

Outline

Outline

In this course you will learn to identify the key components of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and explore cross-cultural and Indigenous ways of seeing and knowing. You’ll gain a strong understanding of Indigenous Australian communities and worldview and be able to contrast that with the dominant worldview.

You’ll also learn about the events and ideas that led to the development of colonial, political and ideological structures; and how to challenge dominant discourses of development – including in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

You’ll explore the importance of land and sea in Indigenous Australian culture and learn how to appraise the significance of sacred and significant sites within local and global contexts. This knowledge will also help you to apply appropriate cultural competencies when engaging with Indigenous artists.

This course includes on-Country experiences and study tours, and you’ll also have access to the facilities of Curtin’s renowned Centre for Aboriginal Studies.

Upon completing this course you'll have the skills for diverse professional roles, including in government departments, the private sector and Indigenous organisations.

What jobs can the Indigenous Australian Culture course lead to?

Careers

  • Aboriginal support officer / consultant
  • Indigenous culture consultant
  • Heritage consultant
  • Tourism and travel consultant
  • Curator
  • Museum officer / consultant
  • Researcher / research assistant
  • TAFE teacher (May require an additional teaching qualification).

Industries

  • Arts
  • Tourism
  • Regional development
  • Health
  • Mining and energy
  • Education
  • Foreign affairs

What you'll learn

  • analyse historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous Australians, examining the impacts of colonization, government policies, and resistance movements, GC1, GC4, GC5
  • examine the social, political, and economic inequalities faced by Indigenous communities and develop strategies for advocacy and allyship, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6
  • develop ethical and respectful methods for engaging with Indigenous communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, GC1, GC3, GC4, GC5
  • understand Indigenous ecological knowledge, sustainable practices, and their interconnectedness with the environment, GC1, GC4, GC5

Why study Indigenous Australian Culture

On-Country experiences

Participate in on-Country experiences and significant site visits.

Indigenous community linkages

Curtin has strong engagement with Indigenous community organisations.

Taught by Indigenous cultural experts

This course is taught by experts in the areas of Indigenous cultural and Custodian viewpoints and historical narratives.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Arts degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRU-INAUC
  • Last updated on: 20 November 2024

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