Australia is an island continent steeped in aboriginal history spanning 50,000 years. The indigenous people of Australia reveal a rich, living culture. This course examines the question: What is the reciprocal relationship between storytelling and cultural identity? Storytelling is a tool by which we create, sustain, and transform culture over time. At the same time, culture--with its evolving values, beliefs, and attitudes--shapes cultural identity narratives--i.e., the stories we tell about who we are as members of a particular culture. Students will chart the historical transition from oral-to-print-to-digital storytelling and what impact that has on cultural identity over time.

The course culminates with a trip to New South Wales—home to Australia's largest Aboriginal population. There, students will explore the country’s oldest forms of communication (oral histories, artifacts, art, dance) and experience its newest breakthroughs in media, technology, and art by attending Vivid Sydney—a cutting-edge "ideas" festival. A visit to the Blue Mountains and a National Park including hiking is planned. At the conclusion of the course and international experience, students will better understand the historical context in which stories and cultural identities exist—and what that means for them as global citizens.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in communication, culture, storytelling, digital media, technology and art.

The academic course associated with this program is COM 398 and 399: Storytelling & Cultural Identity in Australia: Old Meets New for 4 total credits. It will be taught by Drs. Alexis Carreiro and Kim Weller. This course will substitute for a “Focus” requirement for COM and JDM majors.

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*