Handbook

In this topic students critically examine the scientific, social and political construction of 'race' and racism and their global impacts, particularly the use of these ideas in colonial processes of 'settlement' in Australian contexts. With an emphasis on Indigenous Australia, the topic will examine the importance of representations of history and hierarchical constructions of race, and the impacts of colonial policies and processes on Indigenous peoples. The topic will also trace the contemporary iterations of issues of race within Australian life. How do ideas of 'race' inform and shape representations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Australia? Students will consider key questions around: racialisation; biopolitics; the effects of racism; equality; social justice; Indigenous human rights and decolonising race theory. Students will gain understandings of the problematics of 'race', consider what constitutes 'being human', as well as contemporary formations of social policy based on ideas of race.

This topic will draw on Indigenous Creative Sovereignties and privilege Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives to consider, analyse and articulate Indigenous futures, through critical arts-based learning.