Skip to main content
Unit of study_

INDG3006: De/colonising Indigenous Education

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit explores the history of Indigenous school experience with a specific focus on settler colonial contexts (Australia, Aotearoa/NZ, Nth America). Diverse schooling experiences and institutions are examined both as instruments of colonial power and a means through which Indigenous peoples have negotiated their own goals and sought self-determination. Critical studies, emergent trans-Indigenous and decolonising approaches inform the exploration of concepts and practices of assimilation, race, and the contemporary legacies of past practice.

Unit details and rules

Unit code INDG3006
Academic unit Indigenous Academic Units
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lorraine Towers, lorraine.towers@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lorraine Towers, lorraine.towers@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation Tutorial presentation
Presentation made in tutorial class.
20% Multiple weeks 900 words nominal; 30 minutes.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Tutorial paper
Essay
35% Multiple weeks 1575 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Essay
Essay
45% Week 10
Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59
2025 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

1. Presentation: Your presentation be made in class and will address the tutorial question assigned to you.

2. Tutorial paper: This written work will address the same question you addressed in your presentation but in a formal academic style and incorporating further research and consideration.

This paper is due two weeks after your in-class presentation.

3. Essay: This is a formal academic written work based on your own research in response to a set question.

Essay questions will be distributed in week 4 of the semester.. 

Further detail on the assessment tasks and sources of support will be posted on CANVAS and discussed in class.           

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Consistently strong demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid.
  • Superior clarity in presentation and expression with attention to detail in all aspects evident.
  • Incisive and persuasively articulates argument displaying clear focus & academic rigour. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Highly convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument.
  • Adept use of recommended referencing style in a consistent and accurate manner in the text of work and reference list. Highly effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.
  • Exhibits an excellent understanding of discipline specific content and practices.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Consistently strong demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid.
  • Fluent and succinct communication style appropriate to the assessment task. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is appropriate and accurate.
  • Communicates effectively using a variety of relevant, imaginative, fluent and professional presentation styles and communication methods. Evidence of deep reflection on the presentation. Respectful of diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Highly effective use of evidence and consistently demonstrates application of critical analysis. Clearly justifies relevant conclusions and their implications.
  • Uses recommended referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations and scholarly referencing at all times.
  • Displays a very strong understanding of subject/discipline specific content.

Credit

65 - 74

  • Strong organisational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent.
  • Communication is mainly clear, fluent and appropriate to document. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation is accurate.
  • Uses a variety of discipline-appropriate formats to communicate confidently & effectively. Evidence of reflection on the presentation. Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Uses recommended referencing style consistently and accurately in text of work and reference list. Effective use of relevant quotations.
  • Displays a good understanding of subject/discipline specific content and practices.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Demonstrates task organisation and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing.
  • Communication is appropriate to the assessment task and is mostly fluent and clear. Grammar, spelling, use of language and punctuation mostly accurate.
  • Communicates competently in a variety of formats appropriate to the discipline and report procedures in a structured manner using relevant information. Evidence of sensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions.
  • Uses recommended referencing style with minimal errors. Effective use of relevant quotations.
  • Displays an understanding of most of the subject/discipline specific content and practices required in professional settings.

Fail

0 - 49

  • When the learning outcomes of the unit are not met to a satisfactory standard.
  • Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical & coherent understanding of the assessment task but some aspects may be confused or undeveloped.
  • Meaning may be apparent but not always fluently or clearly communicated. Grammar, spelling, language and/or punctuation may display minor errors. Some evidence of applying School’s style guide.
  • Communication is unstructured and unfocused and/or in a format inappropriate to the discipline. Not all material is relevant and/or is difficult to understand. May be evidence of insensitivity to diverse backgrounds & experiences.
  • Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions.
  • Many errors or no use of conventions in referencing. Fails to meet University’s academic honesty policy.
  • Does not meet the required level of subject/discipline specific knowledge of content or practices.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Indigenous worlds, education, and colonialism: decolonial possibilities Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Coloniality and Modernity: conquest and education Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Creating colonial order: race, character and educability Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Colonial violence and the family: experiment, concern, and social engineering Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Boarding/residential schools in North America: ‘Total Institutions’ Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Schooling the body, colonizing the mind? Assimilation policies in Aotearoa/NZ and Australia Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Fighting for an education: resistance and inclusion Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Educated elites and cultural brokers Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 ‘Adaptation’ and ‘Domestication’ Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Language and identity: conformity and challenge Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Culture, identity, schooling and power Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Decoloniality and Indigenous knowledges: educational futures Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • Assessment submission: students must make a submission for every assessment task in order to be able to pass the unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve on CANVAS.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop your knowledge and understanding of the history of Indigenous education in varying socio-political contexts and its legacies and implications in contemporary times
  • LO2. evaluate and discuss decolonial theoretical approaches, concepts and categories in the study of Indigenous education and knowledge
  • LO3. substantively participate in debates about the diverse experiences, motivations, strategies and consequences of Indigenous education
  • LO4. effectively communicate through high level oral and written communication skills
  • LO5. critically identify and use information from a variety of media and technologies
  • LO6. demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy and curiosity for new information and perspectives
  • LO7. be informed, aware and respectful of social, cultural and linguistic diversity, and maintain a respectful collegiality in class.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The classes have become more interactive facilitated by the move back to having consecutive teaching hours. Students are encouraged to provide feedback on the unit throughout the semester and in the USS to enable immediate responsiveness where possible and planning for longer term development.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.