Exploring Central Australia

Subject 102-005 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Fieldwork of six days/five nights in central Australia (at additional cost) plus 12 hours of seminars at the University. The fieldwork will be held over the mid-semester break
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

To be advised
Subject Overview:

Exploring Central Australia is an interdisciplinary subject designed to guide students towards a 'shaping' experience of Central Australia. It is a subject designed to prompt academic inquiry in the context of a first-hand encounter - an intensive field trip - with the environment and cultures of the region. We will be focusing on the contested histories and contemporary realities, with particular attention to issues of race and culture, in the town of Alice Springs, and also exploring the 'meanings' of Uluru for both the Anangu people and non-indigenous Australians. This subject is taught through a combination of seminars at the University and an intensive field trip (at additional cost) to Central Australia. Students will be exposed to a series of content-based discussions, readings, and first-hand experiences - including the opportunity to learn about Central Australia from its Aboriginal and non-indigenous inhabitants. They will be encouraged to produce research and writing that investigates issues, challenges stereotypes, and draws upon their fieldwork observations and interactions.

Assessment: Class presentation 10% (during the semester), a 1000 word writing exercise 30% (due before the mid-semester break), a 500-word essay proposition 10% (due before the semester break) and a 2500 word research essay 50% (due during examination period). Students must attend all the seminars and the field trip.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A Subject Reader and other texts are provided to all enrolled students.
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • Research: through competent use of the library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research

  • Critical thinking and analysis: through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument

  • Thinking in theoretical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences

  • Understanding of social, ethical and cultural context: through the contextualisation of judgments, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument

  • Communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically: through essay writing and tutorial discussion
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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