AIS3806

Issues in Australian Indigenous Archaeology ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Undergraduate

(ARTS)

Leader: TBA

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: This unit commences with a basic examination of the aims, theories and techniques of archaeology. It briefly explores biological and cultural evolution in a global context that converges on traditional Aboriginal ways of life over the last 60,000 years. In particular, the hunting and gathering way of life will be studied through its archaeological expression. Several current social issues and debates, legislation, ethics, and politics in Australia are a persistent theme throughout. A day's excursion to some Gippsland sites is offered as well as the highly recommended field excursion during which two contextual lectures and tutorials will be held.

Objectives: Students successfully completing the third-year unit will, in addition to fulfilling second year objectives: 1. Have the ability to devise, research and write a sustained analysis, using a variety of textual and other sources. 2. Engage in sophisticated theoretical and methodological discussions in oral and written forms, relating to Australian Indigenous Studies. 3. Have the ability to synthesise theoretical and experiential materials and perspectives studies in all year levels of Australian Indigenous Studies and to present a sustained critical analysis of the importance of constructs such as 'race', 'gender', and 'nation' in relation to Indigenous peoples' experiences and counter-discourses of these. 4. Demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which, as one Indigenous academic has expressed it, there are no 'innocent bystanders in our mutual history' in Australian society, but nor should there be any 'terrified ones'.

Assessment: Journal (2500 words): 60% + Examination (2 hours): 40% + Third-year students will be expected to demonstrate more sophisticated analytical skills and submit work which indicates that they have read more widely.

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: AIS1010, AIS1011 or approval

Prohibitions: AIS2806, GSC2806