The
Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies (CAIS) offers subjects in Indigenous
studies which aim to encourage students to understand the past and contemporary
experiences of Indigenous Australians. Students will acquire a general
knowledge of many different aspects of Australian Indigenous cultures and of
how these cultures have undergone change and adaptation. Such understanding
will require students to construct critical arguments and analyse topics
studied in their historical and contemporary contexts. Courses in Australian
Indigenous Studies aim to assist students to develop a good knowledge base
about key issues in Indigenous societies.
Subjects offered by Australian Indigenous Studies combine the study of social
anthropology and contemporary experiences of Australian Aborigines by including
the study of kinship political and linguistic systems in urban and remote
societies and the contrasts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous societies.
Introductory subjects examine Indigenous lifestyles and kinship systems, pre
and post-invasion, and the concept of continuity, which provides a focus on
understanding the importance of land. Study of the post-invasion period
examines the effects of colonisation on Indigenous societies and economies,
past and present governmental policies and their effects on organisations and
communities.
Teaching in the centre includes lectures and small tutorial and seminar groups,
which encourage debate and inquiry. Presentations, written summaries and essays
incorporate reflective, analytical and oral skills specific to Indigenous
studies as well as to the Arts degree. Lectures include a number given by
visiting Indigenous and non-Indigenous guest lecturers. A number of Arts
Faculty subjects offered in Australian studies, anthropology, geography,
history, politics, linguistics, environmental science, sociology and women's
studies complement subjects offered in Indigenous studies.
The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies offers courses at both Clayton and
Gippsland campuses. Professor Eleanor A. Bourke is professor and director of
Monash Aboriginal Programs. The teaching staff are Dr Liz Reed, Ms Marlene
Drysdale, Mr Lyell Wilson and Ms Isabel Ellender.
A major aim of the centre is to provide excellent and culturally appropriate
undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses. The Centre is located on the
second floor of the Monash University Gallery building (Building 55) on Clayton
campus. Inquiries are welcomed about courses and subject information. Inquiries
may be directed to the enrolment adviser, Ms Val Campbell, room 219, email
val.campbell@arts.monash.edu.au
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents