The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies (CAIS) offers units that 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.
Units offered by the centre 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
units 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 units offered in Australian studies, anthropology, geography, history,
politics, linguistics, environmental science, sociology and women's studies
complement units offered in Indigenous studies.
The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies offers courses at both Clayton and
Gippsland campuses, and will offer a first-year sequence at Caulfield in 2002.
Dr Lynette Russell is acting director of Monash Aboriginal Programs. The
teaching staff are Dr Liz Reed, Ms Marlene Drysdale, Mr Lyell Wilson, Mr Barry
Judd, Dr Greg Gardiner 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 unit information. Inquiries
may be directed to the enrolment adviser, Ms Val Campbell, room 219, email
val.campbell@arts.monash.edu.au
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