Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides the foundations for students to develop the academic skills and capacity to experience success at university through an exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Western knowledge management conventions. It will introduce students to core skills required for successful communication in an academic context (reading, writing, listening and speaking), which include the ability to locate relevant information; summarise and paraphrase; and analyse and synthesise ideas. The ownership, representation and communication of knowledge in community, academic and professional contexts will be explored. Students will respond to a range of views presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lecturers and speakers, and visit culturally relevant, contemporary sites. The unit also emphasises the importance of reflection as a means of enhancing students' learning experiences.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Indigenous Academic Units
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Irene Wardle, irene.wardle@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small test	Early Feedback Task #earlyfeedbacktask Individual note-taking task. All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.	5%	Week -01 Due date: 21 Feb 2025 at 17:00	250 word equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Task 1: Reflective writing task Reflective writing task. All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.	20%	Week -01 Due date: 21 Feb 2025 at 17:00	750 word
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Task 2: Oral presentation Oral presentation and submitted work. All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.	35%	Week 07 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 17:00	1750 word equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Task 3: Written Report Written report on the topic of the presentation. All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.	20%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 17:00	750 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Weekly Quizzes Weekly homework tasks across the Semester. All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.	20%	Weekly	10 x 100 word quizzes
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

See Canvas for full details of assessment tasks.

All assessment tasks must be submitted to pass this unit.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well-conceived, coherent, logical and original as well as professionally prepared. Evidence of cultural responsiveness in communication that is consistent and innovative. Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument. Scholarly critique of a diverse array of literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of relevant sources.
Distinction	75 - 84	Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well-conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared. Evidence of cultural responsiveness in communication that is consistent or innovative. Convincing synthesis of evidence, critical analysis and understanding of multiple perspectives to formulate a coherent argument. Scholarly critique of a diverse array of literature. Generates, develops, uses and justifies own ideas or original concepts based on a wide range of relevant sources.
Credit	65 - 74	Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared. Evidence of cultural responsiveness in communication that is of a good standard and is consistent. Credible argument making relevant use of evidence, analysis and understanding. Able to apply concepts and draw and justify conclusions. Substantial critical appraisal of the relevant literature to develop own ideas.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing. Evidence of cultural responsiveness in communication is sound and of the anticipated standard Demonstrates some evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Able to apply fundamental concepts and draw and justify conclusions. Evidence of critical appraisal of literature, with a recognition of different perspectives.
Fail	0-49	Attempts are made to demonstrate a logical and coherent understanding of the assessment task, but some aspects may be undeveloped. Evidence of cultural responsiveness in communication is less than the anticipated standard. Little or no evidence of analytical and evaluative skills. Fails to draw on fundamental concepts and to justify conclusions. Very little evidence of basic skills for problem-solving and addressing key assessment tasks. Literature is presented uncritically and in a purely descriptive way.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

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.

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.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	In-Between Blocks Weeks 2-6 & Weeks 8-12 Understanding academic articles and publications through online quizzes. Developing research skills for locating academic resources accessing the online Fisher Library Unit. Learning Activities: Participating in Guided Discussion Boards; focusing on comprehension and analysis of academic articles.	Independent study (9 hr)
Week -01	BLOCK 1 / TOPICS 1-5 Foundational Knowledge: Introduction to Academic Writing Developing Digital Literacy Critical Thinking and Research Skills Developing Knowledge Practices and Representations: Object-Based Learning through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artefacts Indigenous Identity and Cultural Practices in Historical Context	Lecture and tutorial (10 hr)
Week 07	BLOCK 2 / TOPICS: 6-8 Introduction to Academic Thinking: Understanding the Distinction Between Analytical and Descriptive Writing. Understanding Indigenous and Western Knowledges and Worldviews Introduction to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Rights.	Lecture and tutorial (10 hr)
Week 13	BLOCK 3 / TOPICS: 9-11 Exploring Indigenous and Western Ways of Knowing through Research and Communication Skills: Introduction to Public Speaking and Basic Presentation Skills Using Visual Aids and Simple Multimedia Tools for Presentations Basics of Report Writing for Your Academic Projects Understanding Indigenous and Western Epistemologies	Lecture and tutorial (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The FASS Student Attendance at classes provisions provide guidelines around student attendance. These are in effect from 1 January, 2025. Within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Resolutions: Coursework Awards these are:

(1) Students are expected to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

(2) Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority. The Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90 per cent.

(3) The case of any formally enrolled student who is absent from 50% or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit, or, if a pass is awarded, the level of penalty that should be applied.

(4) In exceptional circumstances, for example where there are Work Health and Safety considerations or professional accreditation requirements, and with the approval of the relevant delegate, unit of study coordinators may set out additional attendance criteria in the unit of study outline.

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Locate relevant information, identify the range of source materials used at university, and acknowledge and reference appropriately.
LO2. Develop awareness of individual learning, learning styles and perspectives through process of self-reflection
LO3. Develop fluency in online learning and engage in creative use of multi-modal communication using a variety of tools and strategies
LO4. Explore approaches to knowledge representation and management from Indigenous and Western standpoints
LO5. Develop skills in listening and summarising information for a variety of tasks
LO6. Analyse information from a variety of sources, written and spoken
LO7. Communicate information for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes
LO8. Develop communication and interpersonal skills to engage in collaborative learning

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Please provide feedback on this unit of study in the Unit of Study Survey.

Additional information

Students will complete 19 hours of face to face teaching and learning this unit during three blocks. The additional 20 hours of unit content will be completed between blocks as online, self-paced learning experiences. In addition to face to face and online, self paced learning experiences, students will complete conventional additional study as indicated.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INLI1001: Indigenous Literacies in Academic Contexts A

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links