Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course is designed for both practitioners already employed with Indigenous communities or who are active in associated or allied work (such as public record offices, libraries, museums and community cooperatives, keeping places, native title, government instrumentalities) and for students who wish to gain further academic knowledge and credentials in the field of Australian Indigenous studies and enable a sensitive response when involved in important decisions about Indigenous knowledge and the maintenance of cultural heritage.

The course not only explores some continuing problems in Indigenous studies but also focuses on change and development. The course addresses issues of local and international importance within the framework for maintenance and control. Various regional, bilateral and international structures for reclamation of cultural heritage are discussed.

Students completing this course will demonstrate:

• an understanding of the theory and practice of Australian Indigenous studies
• knowledge, skills and attributes for self-motivated, independent investigation of Australian Indigenous studies issues
• knowledge and understanding of Australian Indigenous studies within an international comparative context
• attributes of team-work and problem-solving within cross cultural contexts
• the ability to engage with other professionals working in the Australian Indigenous studies system and allied professions
• knowledge, and understanding of ethical issues relating to Australian Indigenous studies.

This course consists of two level four 12-point units.

Students must complete two of the following units:

• AIS4010 Theories and research methodologies in Australian Indigenous studies
• AIS4040 Interrogating race and power in Australian Indigenous studies
• AIS4290 Into the field: The theory and practice of ethnography

Students who complete the graduate certificate with a minimum credit average, may apply to transfer to course 4007 Graduate Diploma in Australian Indigenous Studies.

Graduate Certificate in Australian Indigenous Studies