85211 Reconciliation Studies 8cp PG

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

Reconciliation is a key strategy for a sustainable future for Australia. By reconciliation we mean creating 'a united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all' (Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, 1992). Reconciliation Studies introduces students to the challenges of this process. Core reconciliation issues are investigated and discussed, drawing on relevant life experiences, academic research and professional practice. Skills in applying reconciliation principles in a professional field, industry or community are developed, including the use of cultural plurality and diversity of perspectives found in reference material and the classroom.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

1. identify and understand the historical and social reasons for the legislated Australian reconciliation process and be aware of why reconciliation is a key strategy for a sustainable future for Australia
2. identify and be in contact with Aboriginal people, communities, businesses, organisations and/or professional associations that are related to your professional field, industry or community and, as part of your range of professional communication skills, use appropriate cultural protocols when working with Aboriginal people
3. identify and understand different concepts of reconciliation and be aware of how a reconciliation framework can make a difference in reaching resolution of key political and cultural conflicts that arise between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians
4. identify ways of taking reconciliation forward in your professional field, industry or community and be able to participate, in direct consultation with Aboriginal people, in developing reconciliation initiatives
5. deal confidently with the plurality and diversity of perspectives on reconciliation that you encounter in the reference material, in the classroom and in the wider society.

Teaching and learning strategies

Reconciliation is one of the most significant issues facing Australian society today. By reconciliation we mean creating 'a united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all' (Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, 1992). Reconciliation Studies introduces you to the challenges that the reconciliation process poses to all Australians.

UTS supports the reconciliation process. In its Reconciliation Statement (1989 revised 2004), UTS recognised that 'education has historically played a significant role in the colonial processes of dispossession and disempowerment of Indigenous Australians'. Today, education plays a key role in improving relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. UTS supports activities and programs — such as this subject — that explore contemporary social justice issues and which foster communication and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students.

This subject brings the study of reconciliation issues in a structured learning environment into the UTS curriculum for the first time. It does so by concentrating on the task of understanding and improving relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The subject starts from the premise that focus on this task will enhance the academic and professional lives of all UTS students — as well as the wellbeing of the broader community.

The subject provides you with access to a wide range of intellectual resources addressing reconciliation issues. It also provides you with a wide range of learning experiences so that you can develop your knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and heritage, your skills in liaising with Aboriginal community or political organisations, your research and analysis of how reconciliation frameworks enable the resolution of political and cultural conflicts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and your application of reconciliation principles in your profession, industry or community. This approach is consistent with UTS's commitment to practice-based learning.

Content

In this subject, students examine reconciliation as a key strategy for a sustainable future for Australia. You will study the contemporary Australian reconciliation process and key concepts such as Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination and social justice. The subject is divided into four modules. The first module introduces the concept of reconciliation by tracing the history of the legislated process (1991-2001) and examining the eight key themes of reconciliation. It also looks at the history of struggle for Aboriginal peoples' rights that reconciliation emerged from and the ideas of solidarity and anti-racist work that it relies on.

The second module develops the themes of belonging and dispossession that emerge in stories from Australia's past and about the past, including stories from Indigenous perspectives that have often been ignored, denied or distorted. It pursues the objective of introducing non-Indigenous people to the importance of relationships to land and sea, family and community in Indigenous cultures; and of encouraging wider recognition of and respect for Indigenous culture and history as a valued part of Australian heritage

The third module examines different understandings of reconciliation: for example the 'Reconciliation as equality approach' offered by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR) (1991-2001), and the 'Reconciliation as human rights approach' advocated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and 'practical' reconciliation as articulated by the federal government. In this module, the emphasis will be on understanding how a reconciliation framework can make a difference in reaching resolution of key political and cultural conflicts that arise between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians. The module develops this understanding through a case study of the Hindmarsh Island Bridge dispute that involves individual research, a class-based role play and group reflection.

In the final module, consideration will be given to the range of proposals for taking reconciliation forward that have emerged since the end of the official legislated process in 2001 and the newly created body 'Reconciliation Australia'. These include Indigenous sovereignty, 'practical' reconciliation, the people's movement, a treaty, reparations and constitutional change. The backlash to reconciliation will be outlined. We will study the changes in the administration of Aboriginal Affairs at the Commonwealth level under the Howard Government including the intervention in the Northern Territory and critically evaluate the new approach to Aboriginal Affairs and reconciliation under the Rudd labor government. Comparative international perspectives on reconciliation will be canvassed. The premise of this module is that everyone can contribute to taking reconciliation forward whether in professional, intellectual or other parts of daily life. Key questions are therefore: What can you do? Who else is interested in the same kind of approach and how can you work together to further your goals? In doing this work, what kind of collaborations are being developed between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people?

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Getting in touch with 'Aboriginal Sydney'

Assessment item 2: Understanding the Hindmarsh Island Bridge dispute

Assessment item 3: Taking Reconciliation forward

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.