Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Caulfield Second semester 2011 (Day) Clayton Second semester 2011 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Julian Millie for Caulfield and Clayton campuses

Notes

Synopsis

Many scholars understand indigeneity in terms of:

1. original relationships to particular lands
2. historical engagements with colonial or settler populations
3. distinct present-day cultural practices, ideologies and self-representations
4. embeddedness and appropriation of intangible heritage.

This unit explores indigeneity by focusing on its global emergence and future trajectories. Key topics may include land and treaties; law and translation; education; art and the appropriation and consumption of intellectual property; and religion and ritual. The unit contains modules on specific regions which may include Australia and NZ; the Pacific Islands; Asia; the Americas; and Africa.

Objectives

After successfully completing this unit at second-year level, students should be able to:

1. display knowledge of various definitions of indigeneity;
2. identify key debates in studies of indigeneity;
3. articulate broad connections between cultural identity and expression, history, land, and political power;
4. display an understanding of indigenous issues pertinent to thee specific cultural-geographical regions;

For students taking the unit at third-year level, there should be:

1. display knowledge of various definitions of indigeneity;
2. identify key debates in studies of indigeneity;
3. articulate broad connections between cultural identity and expression, history, land, and political power;
4. display an understanding of indigenous issues pertinent to thee specific cultural-geographical regions;

With the additional objective of:
5. write a brief (1500 words) but focused research paper on the global connections between disparate indigenous movements.

Students are expected to develop their abilities to:

1. use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with social science accounts of diverse peoples;
2. read written sources and view visual materials critically;
3. assess preconceived ideas about what indigenous cultures are like;
4. present logical, coherent arguments in writing.

Assessment

Written work (4500 words): 90% +
Tutorial participation: 10%.

Chief examiner(s)

Julian Millie

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

International studies
Anthropology

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Anthropology, Australian Indigenous Studies, International Studies, Spanish and Latin American Studies, or a cognate discipline, or by permission

Prohibitions

ATS2634