What it’s all about?
Take a historical journey through Australian Indigenous literature and read some myths, stories, songs and poems.
What we will cover?
This class is an introduction to the history of Australian Indigenous literature. We will discuss major works from Bennelong’s late 18th century writings through to Alexis Wright’s contemporary novels with stops along the way. These stops will include songpoems from the mid 19th century, stories from David Unaipon, poetry by Oodgeroo Noonuccal and much more. Together we will listen to oral histories and interviews, watch clips from anthropological and cinematic film and read a variety of texts. You will discover new authors and a whole world of writing that promises to illuminate and engage you.
Who will be teaching?
Robert holds degrees from the ANU and the University of Pennsylvania and has published on literature, poetry and history. His work appears in academic and popular places including Journal of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, The Journal of Popular Culture, Southerly, Jacket2 and Best Australian Poems. He currently works for Tarruru, an indigenous cultural heritage organisation, and thinks Indigenous writing offers a different way of approaching art and politics.