Indigenous Conceptions of Landscape

Subject 705-624 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Entry to Graduate School of Architecture Building & Planning, or approval of the subject coordinator.
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

Dr Scott Alexander Heyes
Subject Overview:

This subject explores the various ways in which indigenous people maintain deeply-rooted connections and a sense of place with their homelands, as well as to the corporeal and spiritual world. Examples from Australia, Canada and the Pacific are used to demonstrate that indigenous peoples have various ways of perceiving and knowing landscapes and aquatic environments. The categorisations and classification of landscape units by Indigenous peoples is explored so as to illustrate how indigenous perceptions of landscape differ from non-indigenous perceptions and construction of place. The subject provides awareness of cultural values and traditional customs which bind indigenous people to place. Students taking this subject are encouraged to attend a (non-compulsory) fieldtrip to an indigenous community in the winter break (5 nights). Alternative arrangements will be made for students who do not attend the field trip
Objectives:

This subject aims to develop advanced knowledge of:

  • the many ways land and seascapes, particularly natural and cultural, are understood and conceptualised by different cultures and ethnicities
  • understanding the ethical challenges inherent in working in landscapes with differing cultural values and provide the means to consider these responsibly
Assessment: Written and project work to the equivalent of 5000 words, including an outline (due in week 4) preliminary to the final assignment (due in week 14). The preliminary first assignment of 500 words is worth 10%. The final assignment of 3000 words is worth 60%. In addition there will be a 1500 word assignment (worth 30%) due as a tutorial presentation between weeks 3 and 11.
Prescribed Texts: Aberley, D. (ed). 1993. Boundaries of Home: Mapping for local Empowerment. New Societies Publishers, Gabriola Island.
Bachelard, B. 1994 (1964). The Poetics of Space. Beacon Press, Boston.
Tuan, Y.F. 1979. Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • an understanding of relevant practices
  • an understanding of the ethical responses to issues
  • essay and report writing
  • creative response to complex problems
  • correct use of technical terminology
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Notes: This subject has a quota of 18 students. Please visit http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/administration/quota.html to apply.
Related Course(s): Master of Forest Ecosystem Science
Master of Landscape Architecture

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