Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning modules

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural learning modules provide a detailed exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and topics to help you enhance your cultural understanding.

These courses were developed by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). There are ten modules to complete.

The modules are available through the Blackboard Essentials course. To access the courses:

1. Log in to Learn.UQ.
2. Go to Blackboard Essentials.
3. On the Modules page, go to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning.

Module 0 - Introduction

This first module is an introduction to understanding the context of Core Cultural Learning and offers some tips to help you get the most out Modules 1 - 10.

Module 1 - Thinking about cultures and identities

Module 1 gives you the opportunity to reflect on the notion of culture and how your own cultural influences impact how you think and behave toward others. This is a critical first step before applying this thinking to cultures and identities different from your own.

Module 2 - My Country, our Country

This module introduces you to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and world views. It explains the central importance of Country and introduces the fundamental elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander laws and societies, such as kinship.

Module 3 - History lives in us

Module 3 looks at how events and policies in the past have shaped the identities and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. The module also looks at various kinds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism and organisations up to 1972.

Module 4 - Too much or not enough change: Commonwealth Indigenous affairs

This module invites you to explore the complex world of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. It examines the key policy approaches of governments since 1972 and the changes over time that

Module 5 - Communities in control: Recognising the role of community organisations

Module 5 gives you an opportunity to learn about the unique attributes of the thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations that operate in areas such as health, housing, education, youth, employment and justice and how universities can work more effectively in partnership.

Module 6 - Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to Country

This module shows you how Australian laws and policies have recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ traditional ownership of Country. It module covers land rights, native title and culture.

Module 7 - Self-determination and autonomy

Module 7 explains what self-determination means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the ways in which it is expressed, from the personal everyday acts to formal agreements with governments. It explores the relationship between self-determination, development and economic success.

Module 8 - Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

This module assists you to understand and develop your capacity to engage effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Module 9 - Helping to build and inspire the Australian nation

Module 9 celebrates the historical and contemporary contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our national identity and looks at how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are shaping our future now.

Module 10 - Continuing your journey

This is final module builds your understanding of how to put the values of diversity and cultural learning into action in your professional development and gives you the tools to continue your cultural learning journey.