Overview
In this unit you examine First Nations cultures and their relationships with Country and Land (Country and Land is capitalised to reflect the differing meaning for First Nations cultures and knowledge systems). You will learn and draw on First Nations and Western scholarship to explore differing cultural concepts of Land: culture and Country. You will develop your understanding of First Nations beliefs, value and knowledge systems. You will learn the importance and use of theory from colonialism, settler colonialism, decolonisation and the cultural interface to deepen your understandings of First Nations cultures and country. You will gain an awareness of the complexity of the connection First Nations peoples have to Country.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Evaluation Survey
Students found academic staff knowledgable and appreciated their lived experience contributions
The unit should continue to be delivered by academic staff with significant First Nations lived and scholarly experience.
- Demonstrate an awareness of and cultural competence in correct terminology and protocols for speaking and writing about First Nations peoples
- Explain First Nations understandings of and connection to Land and Country
- Place First Nations cultures and country in the context of post-colonisation (settler-colonial) history, social structure and race relations
- Analyse and evaluate questions of identity, voice and power in the representation/silencing of First Nations perspectives on culture and country.
not applicable.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Essay - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Essay - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.cowperthwaite@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Week 1: This introductory week outlines the approach to the unit. It provides an overview of language, responsibility and respect. It overviews how to navigate Moodle and guides you into assignment 1 and its requirements.
This week's content provides core understandings about Land (with a capital L): that is how Land is understood in First Nations cultures and country. It is contrasted to 'land' as used in non-Indigenous culture. You are reintroduced to the First Nations of Australia.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Week 2: Indigenous belonging, culture and dreaming and
the invasion, the attempted erasure of First Nations People/cultures.
Building on week 1 and the understanding of Land, you are provided a necessary overview of the impact of invasion since 1788. You are introduced to cultural hegemony and how First Nations country and culture was and is silenced.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Week 3: Countries and Boundaries: First Nations views of Land & the non-Indigenous cultural interface.
An exploration in understanding First Nations Peoples' relationship to Land, including custodianship versus ownership. These are key conceptual understandings to engagement with the unit.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Week 4: Identity: From colonial silencing to cultural revitalisation & decolonisation.
First Nations cultures and identity was ignored in the framing of an 'Australian' identity. Instead, a colonial silencing and othering influenced the forming of a non-inclusive Australian identity. You consider how Land, racism and people interplay in the moves toward cultural revitalisation and decolonisation.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Week 5: 'Always was, always will be First Nations land': From terra nullius to a land belonging to…': reimagining and reinventing Australian Culture by engaging with Land.
We continue travelling deeper into understanding Land. Here we consider the politics and power of terra nullius, and its meaning and politics for First Nations Land and cultures and, non-Indigenous responsibility now and into the future.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Assignment 1 due 17th April (week 6). Academic essay (see task description).
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Week 6: Torres Strait Islander, Land and Sea Country: ontology and epistemology.
This week invites a deeper exploration of Land using a First Nations knowledge framework. We explore what being in country on First Nations Land means for all peoples. Exploration involves a particular focus on the Torres Strait Islands.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Assignment 1 is due this Friday.
Essay Due: Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Week 7: First Nations Belonging in a postcolonial society.
This week considers the belonging of First Nations People and their relationship with Land in the context of the challenges placed by current Australian society.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Week 8: Mabo, Law and Lore.
This week considers how Indigenous Lore links to land and the impact of introduced law from the Australia State. The 1992 Mabo case is examined.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Week 9: Cultural interface interrogating some western perspectives on land: epistemology, ontology and cosmology.
This week contrasts land as an economic resource with decolonising perspectives and what this may mean for Land and Country.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Week 10: Songs and Songlines.
An examination of how art, song, Land and ceremony intersect. We also consider song as a way of understanding identity and culture.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assignment 2 due 29th May (week 11). Academic essay based on an applied ethical issue. (see task description).
Discussion forum posting.
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
Week 11: Belonging and belonging on First Nations Land: Treaty and Makarrata - the coming together after a struggle.
This week we consider belonging, including First Nations and mainstream responses to treaty and Makarrata (coming together after a struggle). Reflection produces critical and ethical understandings.
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assignment 2 due 29th May. Academic essay based on an applied ethical issue. (see task description).
Discussion forum posting.
Essay Due: Week 11 Friday (29 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Week 12: Reflections on Culture and Country: Where are we now? Where will the future take us?
With knowledge comes responsibility. You are encouraged to consider the implications of learning for respect and action. How do we move forward?
Chapter
See Reading list on Moodle for required readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Discussion forum posting.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Essay
Task Description
Drawing on referenced scholarly literature, your essay will: Explain what Land means to First Nations People and the impact Western Colonisation and Culture has had on First Nations Cultures and Country.
- You are asked to post to the Discussion Forum. Your posting contains your reflection on your learning journey researching and writing this assessment. For example, share how you are feeling about the unit content, is this content totally new to you or has it reinforced what you already know? Perhaps, you have been shocked or surprised by the unit content. This is a personal reflection which is written in the first person and will be attached to your academic essay as an appendix. There is no word limit for your reflection and it does not specifically attract marks. It is an assessment requirement however and marks will be deducted if it is not attached. Your Academic Essay is your response to the question:
Explain what Land means to First Nations People and the impact non-Indigenous Colonisation and Culture has had on First Nations Cultures and Country.
- Using quotes and paraphrasing from scholarly, academic literature, compile your essay. Consider using the following word counts to assist in the organisation of your essay:
- Your introduction: This outlines what it is you will be writing about in your essay; (200 words)
- What Land means to First Nations People; (750 words)
- The impact colonisation and Western culture has had on First Nations cultures, people and country; (850 words)
- The conclusion to your essay; this section sums up what you have written (200 words)
Submit Assessment 1 via Moodle, as one word document which includes in the following order:
Cover sheet/Marking sheet
Followed by your essay
Reference list
Appendix (discussion forum post)
Word length: 2000 words. Weight: 40%
Use of Generative Intelligence Agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of GEN AI agents is as follows:
GEN AI content may be used to generate ideas and general structures.
Word Count:
For written assignments. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last work of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 6 Friday (17 Apr 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit via Moodle
Week 7 Friday (1 May 2026)
Return via Moodle
Assessment Criteria
- Essay has utilised relevant, quality academic references to support answering the question. The question is clearly stated and addressed. Correct terminology is used throughout.
- Scholarly communication
- Writing is at university standard.
- Strong introduction and conclusion.
- Sentences clear and concise. Paragraphs well structured. Engagement with the relevant literature and unit content appropriate to the question
- Accurate referencing (APA style). In-text and reference list.
- Cover sheet, marking sheet and discussion Forum Post attached. Font size 12, 1.5 spacing, accurate spelling and grammar, word length +or-10%
- Demonstrate an awareness of and cultural competence in correct terminology and protocols for speaking and writing about First Nations peoples
- Explain First Nations understandings of and connection to Land and Country
- Place First Nations cultures and country in the context of post-colonisation (settler-colonial) history, social structure and race relations
- Analyse and evaluate questions of identity, voice and power in the representation/silencing of First Nations perspectives on culture and country.
2 Essay
TASK DESCRIPTION
Your academic essay is your response to one of the two questions below:
Choice 1
In 2020 the destruction of 46,000 year old caves occurred at Juukan Gorge in the Pilbra, Western Australia. Chair of the Parliamentary committee, tasked with an inquiry, Warren Entsch stated: "Never again can we allow the destruction, the devastation and the vandalism of cultural sites as has occurred with the Juukan Gorge - never again." Provide an ethical discussion around the circumstances of the destruction.
OR
Choice 2
Climate change is a matter for concern throughout the world. In 2021, the Australian First Nation Peoples Statement on Climate Change was produced. The statement concludes with: "Our connection to country represents climate science developed over countless generations, listen to us, work with us, and together we can enact a change that will shape our future for all Australians." First Nations People are still calling for their knowledges to be included in climate management frameworks. As an example, outline First Nations Fire Management practices. Provide an ethical discussion around the valuing and inclusion of First Nations knowledges and in particular fire managements practices. Is Australia listening?
Using quotes and paraphrasing from scholarly, academic literature, compile your essay. As a guide only, consider using the following points of discussion and word counts to assist in the organisation of your essay:
- Your introduction: This outlines what it is you will be writing about in your essay; (200 words)
- What does Juukan Gorge mean to the first Nations custodians and what happened?; (750 words)
- What is the impact on the First Nations custodians and their knowledges (as well as Australia as a whole) as a result of the destruction of the caves; (850 words)
- The conclusion of your essay; (200 words)
OR
- Your introduction: This outlines what it is you will be writing about in your essay; (200 words)
- What is the background to the First Nation Peoples statement on Climate change 2021 and what does it request?; (750)
- First Nations custodians are concerned for the future and want to be included in action against the threats of climate change. Are mainstream organisations listening and willing to adopt First Nations practices?, for example fire management practices (850 words)
- The conclusion of your essay.
Discussion Forum Post: You are also asked to post to the discussion forum. Your posting contains your reflection on the content of your completed chosen essay (either Juukan Gorge or Climate Change/First Management practices). You have just written about an applied ethical issues, what are your reflections on the process? Did you learn anything of particular interest, or can you come to any conclusions regarding the ethical relationship between First Nations people and mainstream organisations. This is a personal reflection and will be attached to your academic essay as an appendix. there is no word limit for your reflection and it does not specifically attract marks. It is an assessment requirement however and marks will be deducted if it is not attached.
Submit Assessment 2 via Moodle, as one word document in the following order:
Cover sheet/Marking sheet
Followed by your essay
Reference list
Appendix (discussion forum post)
Word length: 2000 words. Weight: 60%
Use of Generative Intelligence Agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of GEN AI agents is as follows:
GEN AI content may be used to generate ideas and general structures.
Word Count:
For written assignments. The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last work of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 11 Friday (29 May 2026) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit as one word document via the Assessment link in Moodle
Exam Week Friday (12 June 2026)
Return via Moodle
Assessment Criteria
- The Essay has utilised relevant, quality academic references to support answering the question. The question is clearly stated and addressed.
- Correct terminology is used throughout.
Scholarly communication
Writing is at university standard
Strong introduction and conclusion
Sentences clear and concise. - Paragraphs well structured. Engagement with the relevant literature and unit content appropriate to the question
- Accurate referencing (APA style). In-text and reference list.
Cover sheet, marking sheet and discussion Forum Post attached. Font size 12, 1.5 spacing, accurate spelling and grammar, word length +or-10%
- Demonstrate an awareness of and cultural competence in correct terminology and protocols for speaking and writing about First Nations peoples
- Explain First Nations understandings of and connection to Land and Country
- Place First Nations cultures and country in the context of post-colonisation (settler-colonial) history, social structure and race relations
- Analyse and evaluate questions of identity, voice and power in the representation/silencing of First Nations perspectives on culture and country.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
