IKC101_Wk2_Lecture_202530

Module Overview

This module emphasizes the ways knowledge is reinforced through people, institutions, and historical narratives, especially in relation to First Nations Foundations. It acknowledges the sovereignty of the Wiradyuri, Ngunawal, Gundungurra, and Birpai peoples, emphasizing respect for the Elders and the significance of understanding cultural and intellectual legacies.

Key Concepts

Key concepts discussed throughout include:

• Knowledge Construction: Understanding how knowledge is formed and validated within societal structures.

• Positioning: Recognizing how one’s social location influences perception and interpretation of knowledge.

• Hegemony: The dominance of certain ideologies and cultural norms, often reflected in mainstream narratives.

• Cultural Norms: Practices that are deemed culturally acceptable within a social context, which can often marginalize Indigenous perspectives in larger societal narratives.

Housekeeping Notes

Several logistical aspects are highlighted for the course operations:

• Formation of tutorial groups and online engagement via platforms like Zoom and Brightspace.

• Importance of respectful communication in discussion forums.

• Assessment deadlines, specifically noting that Assessment 1 is due on March 21, and mishaps regarding extensions are to be managed through the Assessment Forum.

Understanding Key Concepts

Positioning

Positioning describes the relationship between an individual's social order and their awareness and theorization of social dynamics. The concept underscores that societal labels impact consciousness and theorization.

Hegemony

Hegemony often denotes the prevalent power dynamics and cultural narratives propagated by dominant groups, illustrated in the context of American movie trends that encode hegemonic ideologies.

Discourse

Discourse involves the mechanisms of communication that give meaning to words through social contexts, highlighting that meanings are not intrinsic but instead derived from usage within cultural narratives.

Institutions

Institutions represent organized systems of power, such as education and government, which perpetuate knowledge and cultural norms.

Cultural Norms

Cultural norms shape everyday practices, which can exclude certain groups, including Indigenous Australians. Recognizing how cultural practices vary illustrates the complexities within societal norms.

Standpoint Theory

Dr. Ruddell introduces Standpoint Theory as a framework for reflection and discussion regarding personal and cultural positioning. This framework promotes a deep understanding of how individual social locations influence knowledge, particularly concerning Indigenous identities. The aim is to critically engage with one's beliefs to foster insights into Indigenous perspectives.

Tutorials and Reflections

Students are prompted to reflect on:

• The impact of Australian colonial history on contemporary understandings of Indigenous and national identities.

• Individual knowledge about Indigenous Australians' social experiences and cultural influences.

Required Readings

The provided readings, particularly Elder (2008), invite students to confront perceptions of national identity and cultural understandings of what is considered Australian. It encourages critical engagement with symbols and narratives that shape perceptions of Australian identity.

Self-Reflection Prompts

Russell (2020) emphasizes self-reflection in understanding knowledge related to Indigenous Australians:

• Assess personal knowledge and identify sources of information regarding Indigenous cultures.

• Explore limitations in preconceived notions of Australian history and culture.

Assessment Overview

Assessment 1, valued at 20%, requires students to identify and analyze a media text related to Indigenous Australians. Students will reflect on various socio-cultural assumptions present in the chosen text, considering the positioning of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and the observable norms.

Anchor Principles

Students must identify which Anchor Principle resonates with their learning journey:

• Social Justice

• Knowing Self

• Re-storying

• Action

Submission Instructions

To submit Assessment 1, students are guided on navigating Brightspace and submitting work in the specified format, ensuring clarity in the submission process.