Critical Debates in Indigenous Studies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

Completion of 37.5 pts of level two subjects in Australian Indigenous Studies and enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies). Bachelor of Arts students should endeavour to take the capstone subject in their final semester of study after completion of 25 pts of 3rd year.

None

As per prerequisites

106-315 Critical Debates in Indigenous Studies

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The capstone subject will allow students to draw together the knowledge and learning experiences they have had in the Australian Indigenous Studies Major. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on the deeper implications of this knowledge and apply multidisciplinary research perspectives to a project of their own choosing. Many lectures will be delivered by eminent Aboriginal and Settler practitioners in such fields as education, the public sector, health, law, the media, arts and culture. Students will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with these practitioners and demonstrate an informed awareness of relevant policy developments in these areas and knowledge of cultural sensitivities. This subject is the practical fruition of the interdisciplinary perspectives that make up the Australian Indigenous Studies major and connects those perspectives to the social world. Students will have the opportunity to explore the intersection between those disciplinary perspectives and cognate ideas in various fields of practice. Students will also have the chance to experience the spectrum of vocational possibilities in Australian Indigenous affairs, and finally, to develop and communicate a mature and broad intellectual perspective on Australian Indigenous affairs.

On completion of the subject students should have:

• demonstrated a high-level of engagement with issues of contemporary importance in Australian Indigenous affairs and consistently demonstrated conceptual sophistication and rigorous critical analysis;
• demonstrated a research perspective that is original in its application of diverse disciplinary perspectives and engage with broader debates on Indigenous affairs with an awareness of the wider community ;
• achieved the capacity to discuss complex and sensitive ideas relating to Indigenous affairs, in both professional and academic settings with people of diverse ideological commitments;
• applied critical and analytical skills and methods to an independent research project, which engages self-reflexivity and communicates complex ideas clearly and comprehensively;
• an understanding of pathways to the workforce, professional life or continued study in Indigenous studies;
• developed a mastery of the central concepts and principles in Australian Indigenous Studies and produced high-level written material that demonstrates this knowledge and encompasses the complexities and sensitivities of the field.

Tutorial participation and a 10-minute presentation (done in class), 10%, an essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid-semester), and an essay of 2500 words 60% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• have a developed understanding of relevant critical theories and methods and the ability to make informed decisions about their use and application in relation to Indigenous subject matter;
• be able to work effectively as an individual and member of class in producing new learning outcomes;
• engage in high-level use of a wide range of research applications and resources and make informed decisions in respect to their usage;
• be able to engage in an informed and reasonable discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities, that relate to the Aboriginal and Settler communities;
• have the ability to produce high quality written material that encompasses the complexities and sensitivities of Australian Indigenous Studies.

This subject is only available to students undertaking a major in Australian Indigenous Studies or the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies)