ABOR1390

Human Rights and Aboriginal Peoples

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Focuses on defining and understanding the concept of a Human Rights Commission and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander responses to this concept in an Australian context and internationally. It will also look at an introduction to the United Nations System, specifically as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australia as a nation state. The course will include information about complaints processes, participation in the charter-based system, and meetings such as the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The right of self-determination will be examined in the context of international law as will the concept of genocide. This unit will also look at the role of non-governmental organisations, the role of media, lobbying and negotiation in the defense of human rights.

Course will be taught in the internal mode of delivery.

Objectives 1. develop an understanding of the concept of Human Rights and of the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have fought and continue to fight to defend their human rights domestically and internationally;
2. develop an understanding of the systems that monitor Human Rights; and of their effectiveness and accessibility;
3. explore the concept of Social Justice and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians;
4. analyse some of the challenging issues currently being debated including the notion of genocide, self-determination and collective rights versus individual rights.
Content ? Defining Human Rights; the concept as defined by law and the concept as perceived by Indigenous Australians
? Indigenous experiences defending human rights within Australia
? Indigenous experiences defending human rights on a global stage
? Defining Social Justice; welfare versus rights approach
? An introduction to the United Nations System
? The Treaty System; submitting complaints and reports
? The Charter-based system; how do Indigenous people participate in United Nations meetings such as the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, ILO meetings, UNESCO meetings
? The right of self-determination
? The concept of genocide
? Collective versus individual rights
? The roles of non-governmental organisations and the media in the defense of human rights.
? Lobbying and negotiation in the defense of human rights.
Replacing Course(s) Replacing Subjects - ABOR127 - Legal and Political. The subject will not have an effect on other Faculties/Departments as it specifically deals with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues which are not covered in other disciplines
Transition Students who failed ABOR127 in the past will be offered a place in this replacement subject.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Essay - 1500 words - 35%
Other: (please specify) Collaborative Talking Circle Oration -2000 words 40%
Case Scenario/PBL exercises Case Study - 500 words - 25%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ABOR1390