This course explores converging literatures about global First Nations histories. The course will explore the causes and consequences of major events in First Nations histories from the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and in Europe. The survival of these peoples owes much to their own agency in maintaining social life and creating historical narratives. The course examines the importance of language and cultural concepts within diverse First Nations historical narratives, assessing the ways in which such narratives and discourses generate conditions of survival. The topics covered will include concepts of identity within the process of colonisation and decolonisation, evolving government policies and resistance to them, ideas of sovereignty, treaty-making, and other formal relationships between colonised and colonisers, and recent forms of post-colonialisms and global movements for redemption, regeneration, and reconciliation. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. interpret historical sources from diverse cultural backgrounds, times, places, and contexts;
2. explain the causes and consequences of major events in First Nations histories globally;
3. demonstrate understanding of colonial borderlands as important places of cross-cultural contact.

Required Resources

You will require internet access.

There are 8 required readings (4 books and 4 primary sources). Three of the books are available in ebook format on the ANU catalogue. All 4 primary sources are available on the course Canvas site. 

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

To access resources you are encouraged to make use of the library and collections at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). AIATSIS is a world-renowned research, collections and publishing organisation. It holds a priceless collection, including films, photographs, video and audio recordings as well as the world’s largest collection of printed and other resource materials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. You can search the AIATSIS Library’s catalogue (named Mura) by accessing the link at the top of the AIATSIS homepage: http://aiatsis.gov.au 

The National Library of Australia’s Informit Indigenous Collection offers a variety of content on both historical and topical issues within Indigenous Studies. It encompasses anthropology, community development, cultural studies, economics, education, health, history, human geography, law and land rights, literature, politics and policy making, (post)colonial studies, psychology, race studies, sociology and visual and performing arts. IIC includes material from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, North America and The Pacific which normally is not easily located in standard resources. You can access the NLA Informit Indigenous Collection through the following link: http:// www.nla.gov.au/app/eresources/item/4296 

Staff Feedback

The following forms of feedback will be provided in this course:

• Written feedback on each part of the Research Journal. 
• Feedback about forum posts will be posted on the forum.
• Students may also receive individual written feedback regarding forum postings in emails. 
• Feedback on the research essay will be available on the Speedgrader tool on Canvas. 
• There will be opportunities to get feedback on drafts of the research essay during Weeks 11 & 12.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction Lecture
2	Module 1 Lecture	Module 1: Europe 'Civilisation’
3	Course Meeting 1	Assessment: 600-word Research Journal for Module 1 due in Course Meeting 1.
4	Module 2 Lecture	Module 2: Africa 'Heart of Darkness’
5	Course Meeting 2	Assessment: 600-word Research Journal for Module 2 due in Course Meeting 2.
6	Module 3 Lecture	Module 3: Americas 'Manifest Destiny’
7	Course Meeting 3	Assessment: 600-word Research Journal for Module 3 due in Course Meeting 3.
8	Module 4 Lecture	Module 4: Asia/Pacific ‘Decolonisation’
9
10	Course Meeting 4	Assessment: 600-word Research Journal for Module 4 due in Course Meeting 4.
11		Students Working on Essay
12	Course Meeting 5	Students working on Essay Essay due: 5pm Friday 24 October, 2026

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Assessment Task 1	40 %	1, 2
Assessment Task 2	10 %	1, 2
Assessment Task 3	50 %	3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Assessment Task 1

Name of Assessment Task:

Research Journal

Details of Task:

Word limit: 2400 words

Value: 30%

Details of task: This Research journal has 2 parts which are to be completed for each of the 4 course modules. For each module you will post the following on the Module forum AND submit through the assignments tab on Canvas: 

1. Write a 300 word annotated timeline for each concept covered in the 4 course modules. Write to help you understand change and continuity across places in history. consider how different perspectives, events, and factors are connected and influence one another. Make a list of at least 4, connected, dates, places, events, people etc. Briefly annotate each entry using no more than 3 sentences. The annotation should include what happened, who was involved, statistics related to the event, the causes and effect, and significance of the event. Cite at least 4 academic sources (citations are not included in the word count). 

2. Write a 300-word response to the required text for each module. 

The task changes for each book. Follow the instructions for each module below:

Module 1: Europe ‘Civilisation’ 

Book: Exterminate All the Brutes 

Task: Lindqvist connects ideas, events, concepts and themes across time, place and culture. List the 5 of these connections you see as most important. Briefly explain your choice. 

Module 2: Africa ‘Heart of Darkness’

Book: Things Fall Apart 

Task: Make a list of the relationships you see between this book and Lindqvist’s Exterminate All the Brutes (intertextuality). 

Module 3: the Americas ‘Manifest Destiny’

Book: Radical Hope: Ethics in the Face of Cultural Devastation  

Task: Briefly write about how Lear’s viewpoint relates to the viewpoints in the books from Modules 1 & 2. Then compare their viewpoints to yours. 

Module 4: Asia/Pacific ‘Resurgence’

Book: A Dying Colonialism 

Task: List the steps Fanon uses to build his argument. Briefly explain whether or not the argument convinces you that his conclusions are justified.  

Assessment Criteria 

The Research Journal will be graded according to the standard of: 

• interpretation of diverse historical sources.
• explanation of the causes and consequences of events.

Note: The various components of assessment described above do not have equal weight. You may be able to compensate for defects in one area by high performance in another. 

Estimated return date: Approximately 1 week after submission for each module.

Assessment Task 2

Assessment Task 2

Name of Assessment Task:

Online Forum Posts

Details of Task:

Assessment 2: Online Forum Posts 

Word limit: 800 words

Value: 10%

Details of task: This task should also be considered pre-writing (research and analysis) for the Research essay (Assessment 3). Group discussion is one of the best ways to develop understanding and create meaning. You will share and discuss your research, and the research process, as a group. For each module you will read and respond to at least 2 forum posts from other students. You should aim for at least 100 words for each response. There will be opportunities to further share and discuss your research during the course meetings.

Assessment Task 3

Assessment Task 3

Name of Assessment Task:

Research Essay

Details of Task:

Word limit: 4000 words

Value: 50%

Details of task: Your task is to write about the main patterns that you have learnt from your study of global first nations histories. You should move beyond description to connect events, ideas and concepts that impact the histories of first nations peoples. 

Assessment Criteria: Your response will be graded on how well it demonstrates knowledge and understanding of colonial borderlands as important places of cross-cultural contact (Learning Outcome 3). 

You should write with reference to key ideas, theories and concepts from a range of sources. Other grading criteria include how well it engages the reader, including the use of images and examples to illustrate points. The range of thinking and reading, use of evidence to support arguments, whether your use of ideas, materials and concepts are imaginative or derivative as well as the overall quality. You will also be graded on how well you incorporate primary sources into your thinking and writing. 

Please note: The various components of assessment described above do not have equal weight. Calculating your grade is not a matter of ticking off each section as addressed. Students may be able to compensate for defects in one area by high performance in another. 

Estimated return date: Approximately 2 weeks after submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

A copy of assignments are submitted using the Assignments tab in the course Canvas site.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marks and feedback will be returned via the Speedgrader tool on Canvas. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students