Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney from Coursera

This course explores some of the key themes and capabilities of cultural competence by exploring Aboriginal experiences and narratives of Sydney.

Australia was ‘claimed’ for the British Crown in 1770, by Captain James Cook, but the invasion began in earnest when the First Fleet of British arrived in 1788 and established a penal colony in Sydney.

As a consequence Sydney is a city rich in diverse pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary sites of significance to Aboriginal peoples. Too often though our perceptions about Aboriginal peoples consign them to an ancient past or perpetuates stereotypical imaginations that Aboriginal peoples live in remote communities (Hinkson, 2010).

At the heart of this MOOC is the theme that Sovereignty was never ceded and Sydney always was and always will be Aboriginal Land. Despite this the Aboriginal presence in the city is often invisible to non-Aboriginal eyes. This course aims to bring to light marginalised narratives of Aboriginal presence in this space.

To understand hidden and marginalised narratives and experiences it is necessary to develop cultural competence capabilities. Key elements of practicing cultural competence include being able to understand and interrogate context, which in the case of Sydney includes not only learning about the peoples, places and histories of Aboriginal Sydney but to also understand issues about how knowledge is created and how dominant narratives can exclude diverse knowledges and experiences.

Course learning outcomes

1. Develop knowledge about cultural competence capabilities.

2. Develop a deeper and multi-layered knowledge and understanding about Aboriginal peoples, cultures and places in Sydney.

3. Develop a greater understanding of how history, cultures and places are represented, contested and interpreted and how that relates to their own context.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge that this course was developed on the land of the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora nation. We pay our respect to the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge that the land that the University of Sydney was built on has been a place of learning for many thousands of years.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introductions

Welcome to the Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney MOOC.

Representation and visibility in Aboriginal Sydney

This week highlights how Aboriginal peoples are represented and made invisible. We will look at how museums and anthropologists collected and studied Aboriginal peoples and their artefacts. We will also look at how Aboriginal peoples engaged with the colonisers and continue to do so.

Sovereignty and self-determination in a colonised place

Aboriginal sovereignty has never been ceded. This means that Aboriginal peoples never came to any agreement which conceded their lands. One of the myths of colonisation was that Aboriginal people didn't resist. But they did resist, and they continue to fight for their sovereign rights in a myriad of different ways: from the overtly political to the revitalisation of cultures and languages, to expression through artistic endeavours. This week's lectures and activities highlight the many different perspectives about how people claim and embody sovereignty.

People, past and present

This week, we will show the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and hear some stories and experiences which show the continued absence of Aboriginal peoples in Sydney.

Visibility in place

This week's lectures and activities aim to draw our attention to Aboriginal presence in the city. All around us - even in a developed city like Sydney - there are significant sites, but we often don't notice them. From ancient rock engravings to contemporary public art projects, significant sites serve as a reminder of the ongoing presence and occupation of the Sydney area by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. In this Module, we will be shown some sites by the CEO and Cultural Officer of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. We will also be introduced to the work of the City of Sydney council who are working on raising awareness and understanding about Aboriginal people in Sydney.

Resistance

This week we will focus on stories and experiences of resistance and activism, many of which were fostered in Sydney's inner city areas. For many years, Aboriginal people from around the country came to Sydney and settled near the industrial areas, finding work there and making their home in Sydney's inner city suburbs. In particular, the suburb of Redfern is the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal political consciousness, where the fight for self-determination became tangible. The people we hear from this week share their stories on how they have negotiated their identities and made sense of their own experiences within this context.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Will aid learners in developing core skills in cultural competence, which are useful in diverse work settings

Teaches learners about Aboriginal peoples and cultures in Sydney's context, adding color to their understanding of diverse cultures

Taught by Dr. Gabrielle Russell, who has extensive experience and recognition in the field of cultural competence

Develops learners' critical thinking skills by examining Aboriginal experiences and narratives, enhancing their understanding of historical and contemporary issues

Offers learners the opportunity to engage with interactive materials and videos, enhancing their learning experience

Requires learners to possess a foundational understanding of cultural competence concepts

Reviews summary

Engaging exploration of aboriginal sydney culture

Learners largely positive say that this well received course is an invaluable learning journey to understand Aboriginal culture and experience. The engaging assignments and thought-provoking discussions broadened their perspectives on colonialism, cultural competency, and the history of Aboriginal Sydney. They highly recommend it for those curious about Indigenous communities, activism, and the impact of colonization.

Promotes self-reflection on cultural identity and colonialism.

"I apprciated that the content was presented by a variety of community members and the notes were not just printed form the transcripts but were connections to bothe community links / sites as well as to some academic papers."

"This combination was valuable."

Empowers learners with practical knowledge and skills for community engagement.

"This made me reflect deeply on how important it is for me to become involved in the struggle for rights and recognition of Aboriginal people."

"This course must be promoted to the highest level and those who have interest in this field must definitely do this course."

Reveals Aboriginal perspectives and experiences firsthand.

"Thank you. A very well presented course that opened my eyes to the cultural practices of Aboriginal people in Australia."

"It provides historical context, describes sites of cultural and spiritual significance, explains the activist movements of the past and those within the arts and community activist organisatons currently."

Presents well-produced videos, informative readings, and thought-provoking discussions.

"The content and the speakers were clear and informative, and the assignments were very relevant."

"The readings were well chosen to highlight the various themes and reinforced by the videos which featured pertinent oral history."

Traces the history of Aboriginal Sydney from pre-colonization to present.

"This course is essential for understanding the impact of invasion on the Aboriginal peoples of the Sydney region."

"This course provides an introduction to colonial and contemporary issues which Aboriginal Australians face today (visibility, displacement, etc), while providing a view to look at its 60,000 year history afresh."

May encounter occasional broken links or inaccuracies in some video content.

"A few of the links for the recommended reading were broken however."

"It was encouraging to see the tenacity and fortitude demonstrated by leaders and I am hopeful that change within government and society is underway. "

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney with these activities:

Review your lecture notes on the history of Aboriginal people in Sydney

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Strengthens understanding of the foundational knowledge presented in the course.

Browse courses on Aboriginal History

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Watch a documentary on the history of Aboriginal people in Sydney

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Provides a visual and engaging way to learn about Aboriginal experiences and perspectives.

Browse courses on Aboriginal History

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Find a documentary on the history of Aboriginal people in Sydney.
Watch the documentary and take notes on the key points.
Write a short summary of the documentary, including your own thoughts and reflections.

Read 'The Australian Dream: A History of Racism and Violence' by Stan Grant

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Provides a deep understanding of the historical context of Aboriginal experiences in Sydney and the ongoing issues of racism and violence they face.

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Read the introduction and chapter 1 to gain an overview of the book's main arguments.
Read chapters 2-4 to learn about the history of Aboriginal dispossession and violence in Sydney.
Read chapters 5-7 to explore the contemporary experiences of Aboriginal peoples in Sydney, including issues of racism, discrimination, and social justice.

Five other activities

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Participate in a discussion forum on the course topics

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Encourages active engagement with the course material and facilitates peer learning.

Browse courses on Cultural Competence

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Join the discussion forum for the course.
Read the discussion prompts and contribute your own thoughts and questions.
Respond to the posts of other students, offering your own insights and perspectives.

Test your knowledge of Aboriginal place names in Sydney

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Reinforces understanding of Aboriginal place names and their significance.

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Take an online quiz on Aboriginal place names in Sydney.
Review your answers and learn from your mistakes.

Attend a field trip to an Aboriginal site in Sydney

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Provides an immersive experience to connect with Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Browse courses on Aboriginal History

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Research Aboriginal sites in Sydney.
Attend a field trip to an Aboriginal site of your choice.
Take notes and photos during the field trip.
Write a short report on your experience.
Share your report with your peers in the discussion forum.

Write a short essay on the significance of Aboriginal place names in Sydney

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Enhances understanding of the importance of place names in Aboriginal culture and their role in shaping Sydney's identity.

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Research the history and meaning of Aboriginal place names in Sydney.
Identify the different types of Aboriginal place names (e.g., geographic features, cultural landmarks).
Analyze the significance of Aboriginal place names for understanding Sydney's history and culture.
Write a short essay that discusses your findings.

Create a digital map of Aboriginal places in Sydney

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Applies course concepts to a practical project, fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal presence and connection to place.

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Research Aboriginal place names in Sydney.
Use a mapping software or platform to create a digital map.
Plot the Aboriginal place names on the map.
Include information about the history and significance of each place.

Career center

Learners who complete Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides a foundation in cultural competence capabilities. This includes understanding and interrogating context, which is essential for anthropologists who study diverse cultures. The course also offers insights into the experiences and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples in Sydney, providing valuable knowledge for anthropologists working in this field.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past human societies by excavating and examining material remains such as buildings, artifacts, and ecofacts. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides important knowledge about the history and cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Sydney. This knowledge is essential for archaeologists working in this region, as it helps them to understand the context of their findings and to interpret them accurately.

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Curator

Curators are responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. They may also conduct research on the collections and develop educational programs. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides valuable insights into the representation and visibility of Aboriginal peoples in Sydney. This knowledge is essential for curators working with Aboriginal collections, as it helps them to understand the cultural significance of the objects in their care and to interpret them appropriately.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They may work in schools, universities, or other educational settings. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides educators with the knowledge and skills they need to teach about Aboriginal history, culture, and perspectives. This is essential for educators who want to create inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms.

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Historian

Historians study the past by examining written documents, artifacts, and other sources. They may specialize in a particular period or region of history. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides historians with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal history and culture in Sydney. This knowledge is essential for historians who want to write accurate and inclusive accounts of the past.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides journalists with the knowledge and skills they need to report on Aboriginal issues in a fair and accurate way. This is essential for journalists who want to produce high-quality journalism that informs and educates the public.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, family law, or corporate law. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides lawyers with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively with Aboriginal clients. This is essential for lawyers who want to provide culturally competent legal services.

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Museum Director

Museum directors are responsible for the overall operation of museums. They may be responsible for developing exhibitions, managing collections, and overseeing educational programs. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides museum directors with the knowledge and skills they need to create inclusive and culturally responsive museums. This is essential for museum directors who want to create museums that are welcoming and relevant to all visitors.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides policy analysts with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement effective policies that address the needs of Aboriginal peoples. This is essential for policy analysts who want to make a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal people.

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Political Scientist

Political scientists study political systems and processes. They may specialize in a particular area of political science, such as comparative politics, international relations, or public policy. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides political scientists with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the political landscape of Sydney and the challenges facing Aboriginal people. This is essential for political scientists who want to conduct research and develop policies that address the needs of Aboriginal people.

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Public Historian

Public historians work in a variety of settings, including museums, historical societies, and government agencies. They may be responsible for developing exhibitions, conducting research, and writing about history for the public. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides public historians with the knowledge and skills they need to create inclusive and culturally responsive public history programs. This is essential for public historians who want to create public history programs that are welcoming and relevant to all audiences.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people to overcome social and economic challenges. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides social workers with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively with Aboriginal clients. This is essential for social workers who want to provide culturally competent social services that meet the needs of Aboriginal people.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. They may specialize in a particular area of sociology, such as race and ethnicity, gender, or social inequality. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides sociologists with the knowledge and skills they need to conduct research on Aboriginal communities and social issues. This is essential for sociologists who want to make a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal people.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the use and development of land in urban areas. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides urban planners with the knowledge and skills they need to develop inclusive and culturally responsive urban plans. This is essential for urban planners who want to create cities that are welcoming and accessible to all residents.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and poetry. The Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney course provides writers with the knowledge and skills they need to write about Aboriginal history, culture, and perspectives in a fair and accurate way. This is essential for writers who want to produce high-quality literature that informs and educates the public.

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Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney.

Aboriginal Sydney

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Is an in-depth look at the Aboriginal people of Sydney, their culture, and their history. It provides a detailed account of the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people and their ongoing struggle for recognition and self-determination.

Aboriginal Sydney: A Guide to Important Places of...

Paperback

Heartsick for Country

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Collection of Aboriginal stories from Sydney, told by Aboriginal people. It provides a unique insight into the Dreaming, the Aboriginal worldview, and the spiritual significance of the land.

Heartsick for Country: Stories of Love, Spirit and...

Kindle Edition

W.E.H. Stanner

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Classic work on Aboriginal spirituality and culture. It explores the concept of the Dreaming and its importance to Aboriginal people.

W.E.H. Stanner: Selected Writings

Kindle Edition

Sydney's Century

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Provides a detailed history of The Rocks, the oldest suburb in Sydney. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

Sydney's Century

Paperback

$$$$

The White Possessive

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Collection of essays by Aboriginal writers on a range of topics, including history, culture, and politics.

The White Possessive: Property, Power, and...

Paperback

The White Possessive: Property, Power, and...

Kindle Edition

Macquarie Dictionary

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This dictionary comprehensive reference work on Aboriginal words and phrases. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Aboriginal languages.

Macquarie Dictionary Fifth Edition

Hardcover

$$$$

Cultural Competence - Aboriginal Sydney

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Reviews summary

Engaging exploration of aboriginal sydney culture

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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