Core knowledge required by all UniSA graduates
General background in Indigenous Studies
A University of South Australia graduate should demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, historical and contemporary frameworks which have shaped the lives of Indigenous Australians. These include:
- The basis of Indigenous spirituality and belief systems
- The sources of contemporary characteristics of families and family structures
- Relationships with land and the interconnectedness of land, language and spirituality the diversity of concepts of identity
- The importance of understanding the impact of identity across cultures
- The impact of historical processes on identity
- Community and individual responses to colonialism
- The broad characteristics of contemporary Indigenous communities
- An awareness of relevant social indicators Relevant national and international legislation and obligation
Critical examination of the nature of the professions and self reflection
A graduate should, on entering their chosen profession, understand its characteristics, history and assumptions. While the specific Indigenous content will vary between professions, for example between Social Work and Engineering, if graduates are to develop an understanding of the impact of their profession on the social and political contexts of Indigenous lives and communities, they need to:
- Develop an awareness of the views of Indigenous people employed within the profession and related fields
- Deconstruct the assumptions underlying the theory and practice of the profession, for example the pervasiveness of Social Darwinism and institutional racism
- Assess the cultural specificity or Eurocentric nature of this theory and practice
- Estimate the extent to which these assumptions can impact negatively on the relationships between roles and functions of professionals and on contemporary issues such as housing, poverty and unemployment
- Understand the relationship between the authority of the discipline and perpetuation of power/knowledge in maintaining or overcoming social inequality
Exploration of personal attitudes and values
Graduates should explore their own values, attitudes and beliefs in relation to Indigenous issues and clients. These include:
- The role of a student's prior education in developing values and attitudes
- Developing an awareness of the mechanisms of power in society and how it is maintained
- Use of language in perpetuating stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
- Critical appraisal of the role of the media in its representation of Indigenous people
- Developing personal/professional cultural competence
Working with Indigenous clients and communities
A graduate should demonstrate skills and understanding in their professional communication with Indigenous clients and communities. These include:
- Developing an understanding of appropriate communication styles and protocols
- Avoiding stereotyping or pre-judgments about Indigenous clients or communities