HIST19033  Torres Strait: An Anthropological History

This course expands on themes introduced in the Level 1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. It addresses a number of issues relevant to contemporary Torres Strait society and considers them in their historical context. These include the significance of language, gender and culture; politics both within and beyond the Islander communities; education and religion; borders, boundaries, land and reef rights; work and immigration, and the relationship between indigenous autonomy, economic development, and the preservation of the environment. The course is organised around the idea of Kastom, its formation and its expression in everyday life.