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EDSE5015 Aboriginal Studies 3

rd
Teaching Area
Critical Analysis Framework

Bibliographical Information
Resource Title Author(s)
Date of Publication Cultural Background of
Author(s)

Publisher Type of Resource

- Column one includes questions to address different areas where cultural bias may occur.
- Column two is for answering the questions.
- Column three provides notes for assessing the usability of the resource. They include what aspects make this resource usable within a current
context. If the resource does not have these identified aspects, it may be culturally biased and can only be used within a historical framework.

Terminology and Creation of Resources
What terminology is used when referring to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
The appropriate general terminology is Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander People. Where possible, specific language or
nation groups should be used. For more information, please go to
https://elearning.sydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-2521314-dt-
content-rid-
13212885_1/courses/2014_S2C_EDSE5015_ND/R3_appropriate-
terminology.pdf.
Is the resource context appropriate? Some terminology used may be appropriate for the specific
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community or time period that the resource is from.
Is involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people evident?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should always be
consulted and/or involved in the production of resources.

Images and Captions
How do images represent Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people?
Images should present a balanced
representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and disregard stereotypes.
How up-to-date are images within the resource? Images should be recent (less then ten years
old) and present an up-to-date representation.
With the exception of historical documents,
analysed within their context.
What is the source of the image? What date is
provided?
All images should be appropriately sourced.

Does the surrounding text/ caption compliment
the image?
Images should be placed within relevant bodies
of text and with texts/ captions that
compliment it.
What is the overall effect of the image and the
text/ caption?
It should be balanced without a focus on either
a positive or negative representation. There
should be an equal focus on all aspects of the
content, as presented within the page layout
and framing.

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Omission, Neglect and Superficial/Oversimplification
What date is provided for the beginning of
Australian history? How is the occupation of
Australia described?
Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples occupation of the land is
important as well as history before 1788.
Are traditional and/or contemporary
representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people presented?
Representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people must be relevant to the topic
being discussed.
What historical interpretations are presented
and who presents them?
History should be described with a balance of
opinions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and non-Indigenous people. It is
also important that any biases are
acknowledged.
What level of information is provided about
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Important topics should be covered in-depth
and with an appropriate level of detail.
Is the language used relevant to the topic? Ideas should not be simplified or superficially
discussed.

Gratuitous Reference
Is the term norm used to refer to the
dominant culture?
The term norm should not be used to describe the
dominant culture.
Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people referred to as a diverse group of
people with different viewpoints?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should
not be referred to as a homogenous group in any way.
For more information on the diversity of Aboriginal
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and Torres Strait Islander Australia, please go to
http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/default.htm.

Ethnocentrism and Negative Stress
Is the Australian way of life referred to in a
Eurocentric manner?
The Australian way of life should incorporate
the diversity of society without focusing on one
particular group.
Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
represented based upon Eurocentric ideas?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
should be represented within their own right.
What comparisons between Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people and non-
Indigenous Australians are made?
Comparisons should not be presented with a
negative focus.

Developmental Bias and Paternalism
Is the term primitive or similar, used in relation
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
development?
The term primitive should not be used, and
assumptions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander development should not be made.
Is paternalism referenced? Paternalism is not a true representation of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
needs, both presently and historically. The
historical impact of government policy needs to
be evaluated.

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Stereotyping and Racism
Is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
difference highlighted as an otherness?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
should not be described as the other, bizarre or
exotic.
Is racism glorified or vilified? Racism should never be glorified. It should be
discussed with the seriousness necessary.
Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
dehumanised?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
should never be referred to as less than human.

General Comments and Usability of this Resource
Any other relevant aspects of the resource that you noticed.
In what context can this resource be used? What makes it useable?