First Encounters With White Ghosts

This course explores the profound and often bewildering first encounters between Aboriginal Australians and European settlers in the early 19th century. As white settlers expanded their reach into Australia, Indigenous communities experienced a wave of confusion, fascination, and fear. Aboriginals initially saw European newcomers as spirits or "white ghosts," with their strange appearance, clothing, horses, and technology stirring both awe and alarm. Students will investigate these cross-cultural encounters, examining how Aboriginal people interpreted European customs, animals, and tools, while Europeans often misunderstood Indigenous traditions and ways of life. Through the lens of explorers and Indigenous communities, the course reveals the deep cultural divides and miscommunications that shaped early interactions and laid the groundwork for future conflicts over land and resources. IN DEVELOPMENT: COURSE OVERVIEW ONLY