Aboriginal Cultural Studies

Subject 670-334 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 25 points of first year study including completion of the first year subject 100-181 Australian Indigenous Studies
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

Mr Philip John Morrissey

Contact

Philip Morrissey
philipjm@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject studies Aboriginal dance, theatre and popular music, cultural and sporting festivals and governmental arts funding agencies and Aboriginal arts organisations. It focuses on theoretical and political issues which arise from Aboriginal culture being both a commodity and a vehicle of indigenous identity and resistance. It uncovers the diverse and transitional nature of contemporary Aboriginal cultural production and the social and political contexts which frame the creation and use of contemporary Aboriginal cultural production. Students should develop an understanding of the politics of consumption and appreciation of Aboriginal cultural productions as well as the politics of content.
Objectives:
  • appreciate (for non-Aboriginal students especially) the politics of reading positions in relation to Aboriginal cultural production;
  • appreciate the diversity of Aboriginal cultural production, in terms of form, content, voice and place;
  • understand the problematics of Aboriginal cultural production in the context of postcolonial Australia, and its relation to everyday life here.
Assessment: Tutorial participation and a 10-minute paper presentation, 10%; an essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester); and an essay of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of semester). Students must attend a minimum of nine tutorials in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
  • develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments;
  • communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately both in writing and to others.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
Australian Studies Major

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