Course coordinator
Associate Professor Levon Blue
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Have you ever been moved by the work of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist or author and can you explain why it moved you? In this course, it is your chance to delve into the powerful world of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature, film, music, and art. Through an exploration of iconic works by Indigenous creatives, you will develop a critical understanding of how these mediums express and reflect lived experiences.
This course invites you to:
• Critically engage with Indigenous Australian literature, music, art, and film.
• Examine seminal works that have shaped and continue to shape the cultural landscape.
• Gain a deeper appreciation of the contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made and continue to make to the arts.
If you are eager to explore and understand the powerful narratives and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, this course if for you. You will embark on a journey to enrich your perspective and understanding of the profound impact Indigenous creatives have on our world.
ABTS2030 – Welcome to Exploring Indigenous Art, Film, Music and Literature Through Iconic Works. In this course you have the opportunity to critically engage with Indigenous Australian creatives through their art, film, literature and music. You will also develop critical understandings of Indigenous lives and cultural expression. No previous experience with the arts is required.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisite for this course.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ABTS1000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ABTS1020
Course contact
Lecturer
Associate Professor Levon Blue
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Classroom Delivery
This course is timetabled for 2 hours. See your timetable and/or Blackboard for more information.
Aims and outcomes
In this course, you will expand your understanding about the impact of colonisation through exploring Indigenous Australians' cultural production. You will develop awareness about Indigenous creatives by critically engaging with Indigenous literature, music, art and film. Throughout this course, you will opportunities to self-reflect on your own positionality and make connections to broader societal issues. You will develop a deeper appreciation of Indigenous cultural contributions and the ongoing significance in various fields of study.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically reflect on the impact of colonialisation on Indigenous cultural expression in the arts, connecting this reflection to your own positionality and specific disciplinary interests.
LO2.
Identify an example within your discipline and/or related career aspiration that connects to Indigenous arts, and analyse its significance within broader social, economic, historical, and/or political contexts.
LO3.
Sensitively communicate your analysis on the ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use the arts to express life experiences.
LO4.
Critically evaluate and take a position on current or historical issues, opinions, facts, or statements concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expression.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Assessment 1: Comparative Analysis (Written or Presentation) | 40% |
1/09/2025 - 1/09/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course. Written assessment due in Week 6. This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. |
| Reflection | Assessment 2. Reflection Journal | 20% |
22/09/2025 - 22/09/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course. This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. |
| Presentation |
Assessment 3: Comparative Analysis (Group Presentation)
|
40% |
20/10/2025 - 27/10/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course. Transcripts for each group's presentation are due on Monday in Week 12 (refer to Blackboard for due date time and other instructions). Presentations will take place during the lecture/tutorial time on in Week 12 and in Week 13. This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. |
Assessment details
Assessment 1: Comparative Analysis (Written or Presentation)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
1/09/2025 - 1/09/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Written assessment due in Week 6.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment 1: Comparative Analysis Literature and Music (Written)
Word Count: 1000
Weight: 40%
(See Blackboard for due date)
Task Description:
For this assessment you will conduct a comparative analysis on the thematic elements in “Am I Black Enough For You? Ten Years On” by Prof. Anita Heiss and one piece of music created by an Indigenous artist. Your analysis should focus on the cultural expressions connected to the social, economic, historical and political context of Indigenous peoples. You are required to include excerpts from the book including page numbers and lyrics from the song. Use APA 7th style for referencing. A minimum of three academic references are required.
Instructions:
1. Read Am I Black Enough For You? Ten Years On by Prof. Anita Heiss
2. Choose a song created by an Indigenous artist or group that you were exposed to in the course or that you are familiar.
3. Provide a brief summary of the book and the song you selected. Explain why you selected the song and how it relates to the book. Make sure to include the historical and cultural context of the song.
4. Explain your positionality and/or standpoint.
5. Discuss how the themes in the book and the song reflect identity, community, resistance and resilience.
6. Analyse how the book and song address social, political, historical and economic experiences facing Indigenous peoples. Consider themes such as activism, and social justice. Discuss any significant differences and what they reveal about the messages being conveyed.
7. Summarise your findings and reflect on the importance of using Indigenous literature and music to express life experiences. Consider what new insights you gained about Indigenous cultural expressions and their social, economic, historical, and political contexts through this comparative study.
Submission guidelines
Please submit your assessment via the link in the assessment folder in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 2. Reflection Journal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/09/2025 - 22/09/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Assessment 2. Reflection (Written)
Word Count: 500 words
Weight: 20%
Task Description: You are required to write a reflective journal entry on the theme art. You will be given time in the tutorials to complete this task. You are required to write a reflection which summarises your experience attending an art gallery and exploring a piece of art created by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Please see the instructions below for further information about the reflection. Note that you are required to connect to the content covered in class and/or experienced in class into your reflection. Please use APA 7th edition when you are referencing lecture content and/or tutorial slides.
Instructions for reflections:
1.Personal Experience and Response:
- Visit an art gallery (could be the one we attend during class or elsewhere) and select one piece of art created by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
- Incorporate personal experiences by taking notes about the artwork's visual elements, material, theme and how you connected to the art.
2.Connection to Course Content:
- Integrate insights from lectures, readings, and class discussions/excursions.
3.Personal Impact and potential professional impact:
- Discuss how the artwork has influenced your understanding of Indigenous cultures.
- Reflect on any changes in your perceptions or attitudes.
- Highlight key insights, personal growth and connection to discipline/career aspirations, if applicable.
4.Use an AI tool to research the artist:
- Critical analysis - consider how AI-assisted research shaped, challenged or enhanced your understanding of the artist.
- Was the information generated, correct? If so, how do you know? What did you use to verify the information generated?
5.Summary:
- Summarise your experience attending the art gallery, selecting the piece of art and integrating AI tools into your assessment.
Submission guidelines
Please submit your assessment via the link in the assessment folder in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 3: Comparative Analysis (Group Presentation)
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
20/10/2025 - 27/10/2025
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Transcripts for each group's presentation are due on Monday in Week 12 (refer to Blackboard for due date time and other instructions).
Presentations will take place during the lecture/tutorial time on in Week 12 and in Week 13.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment 3: Analysis of Film (Group Presentation)
Presentation: Transcript and 10-minute presentation. (Note that the transcript will be due for everyone on Monday in Week 12. Please refer to Blackboard for more information about the assessment and associated due dates)
Weight: 40%
(See Blackboard for due date)
Task Description:
This is a group assessment. Your group is required to complete an analysis of one scene from a film (your group will be assigned a film). The analysis should focus on the cultural expressions connected to the social, economic, historical, and political contexts of Indigenous peoples. You are required to include the scene (with timestamps) from the film. Use APA 7th style for referencing. A minimum of three academic references are required. You can use a maximum of 5 slides (excluding the title slide and reference list).
Instructions:
1. Choose a scene from the film created by an Indigenous filmmaker and/or featuring Indigenous actors that your group felt has strong message. Provide a screenshot of the film and/or timestamps.
2. Provide a brief background of the film and the historical and cultural context of the work you have chosen.
3. Explain why you selected this scene and how it demonstrates Indigenous cultural expression.
4. Discuss how the visual elements in the film scene reflect Indigenous cultural expressions. Consider traditional elements such as symbols, language and/or practices. Were visual cues used to convey cultural meaning or connection to Indigenous identity?
5. Summarise your findings and reflect on the importance of visual analysis in understanding Indigenous film. Consider what new insights you gained about Indigenous cultural expression related to social, economic, historical and political contexts.
Guidelines for Assessment 3 submission:
*Note this is a group assessment. Your group will be allocated a specific film to focus on.
Submission guidelines
Please submit your assessment via the link in the assessment folder in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional learning resources for this course will be available via the course Blackboard website. Your course coordinator will maintain and regularly update the course Blackboard website as required.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Lecture |
Week 1-13 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Not scheduled |
Tutorial |
Week 1-13 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
We will focus on four themes throughout this course including iconic works in literature, music, art and film. Please refer to Blackboard for more information about each week.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.