Overview
This unit enhances understanding and application of the concept of reconciliation in various contexts, including the workplace and community. It is suitable for those interested in the advancement of reconciliation within contemporary Australian society . You will apply First Nations literature and pedagogy to develop cross cultural knowledge and contemporary approaches of reconciliation. You will be introduced to an intercultural critical reflection model (First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing) that strengthens professional practice across organisational contexts.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Completion of 96 credit points.
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 Unit Evaluation
Time management could be improved.
Review assessment due date and requirements, along with weekly readings and activities to support students in their weekly learning and assignment preparation.
Feedback from Unit Evaluation
Interactive discussions with other students and Zoom sessions on upcoming assessments were enjoyed.
The Unit Coordinator will continue to deliver unit content and support students' engagement and learning throughout the term.
- Analyse the concept of reconciliation in the context of the Australian community and workplace.
- Analyse impacts of historic legislative and political implications to the advancement of reconciliation within First Nations communities.
- Apply a First Nations critical reflective lens (First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing) to reconciliation and critical discourses.
- Demonstrate engagement skills required for working with people from different cultures in the workplace and community to promote the five domains of reconciliation.
This unit supports students to develop understanding and application of the concept of reconciliation in various contexts, including the workplace and community. The unit applies First Nations literature and pedagogy to facilitate and support the ASWEAS (2020) required curriculum content.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Group Discussion - 25% | ||||
| 2 - Creative work - 40% | ||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 35% | ||||
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)
- Microsoft Word
- ZOOM
- CQU library search tools
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.
h.hickson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Module 1:What is Reconciliation and why have it?
Introduction to the unit and Moodle site. Understand the unit learning outcomes; assessment items and criteria; and participation in group discussion forums.
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
There is no set textbook for this unit.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Read, learn and understand the Appropriate Terminology and Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country protocol documents.
Module/Topic
Module 2: Diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities.
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
ONLINE FORUM 1 - DUE
Module/Topic
Module 3: Racism in the Australian First Nations context
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
ONLINE FORUM 2 - DUE
Module/Topic
Module 4: From protection to reconciliation and workplace legislation
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
ONLINE FORUM 3 - DUE
Module/Topic
Module 5: Reconciliation, resources and rights in First Nations communities
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
ONLINE FORM 4 - DUE
Module/Topic
Module 6: Reconciliation in government, governance and policy
Chapter
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module/Topic
Module 7: Reconciliation in community and organisations
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Module/Topic
Module 8: Intergenerational trauma in First Nations communities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Module/Topic
Module 9: Social Policy: case study
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Written Assessment Creative Due: Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Module 10: Community and organisations: case study
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Module/Topic
Module 11: Family: case study
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Module/Topic
Module 12: Building relationships and collaborative partnerships with First Nations peoples and communities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Please access the learning activities and recommended readings through the Moodle site.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
There are no exams for this unit
Chapter
There are no exams for this unit
Events and Submissions/Topic
There are no exams for this unit
Module/Topic
There are no exams for this unit
Chapter
There are no exams for this unit
Events and Submissions/Topic
There are no exams for this unit
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Group Discussion
Online Forum Discussion
This assessment is 1,500 words in total and comprises your four discussion forum posts (each 250 words) on the topic provided, copied from the Moodle Discussion Forum and placed in a Word doc (max 1,000 words). Additionally, you need to include a summary (max 500 words) reflection.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Checking spelling and grammar.
b. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site
Week 8 Wednesday (6 May 2026)
Students will be advised when assessments are released.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the concept of reconciliation in the context of the Australian community and workplace.
- Analyse impacts of historic legislative and political implications to the advancement of reconciliation within First Nations communities.
- Apply a First Nations critical reflective lens (First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing) to reconciliation and critical discourses.
- Demonstrate engagement skills required for working with people from different cultures in the workplace and community to promote the five domains of reconciliation.
2 Creative work
Creative Project and Reflection
Task Description
This assessment should be presented as a creative activity that reflects cultural responsiveness and Truth-telling to achieving reconciliation in contemporary Australian society. Example projects may be a speech, community-based initiative, formal presentation, or a mixture of these concepts.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 9 Wednesday (13 May 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026)
Students will be advised when assessments are released.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the concept of reconciliation in the context of the Australian community and workplace.
- Analyse impacts of historic legislative and political implications to the advancement of reconciliation within First Nations communities.
- Apply a First Nations critical reflective lens (First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing) to reconciliation and critical discourses.
- Demonstrate engagement skills required for working with people from different cultures in the workplace and community to promote the five domains of reconciliation.
3 Written Assessment
Critical Analysis Essay - 1500 words
Task Description
This assessment requires you to critically analyse how interpersonal and systemic racism undermine reconciliation processes in contemporary Australian society. You will apply a First Nations critical reflective lens, drawing on First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing, to evaluate these issues and propose pathways toward reconciliation.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 2: The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2026)
Students will be advised when assessments are released.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Analyse the concept of reconciliation in the context of the Australian community and workplace.
- Analyse impacts of historic legislative and political implications to the advancement of reconciliation within First Nations communities.
- Apply a First Nations critical reflective lens (First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing) to reconciliation and critical discourses.
- Demonstrate engagement skills required for working with people from different cultures in the workplace and community to promote the five domains of reconciliation.
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?
