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Indigenous Development Perspectives (DEVT90059)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Off Campus
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
February
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | February - Off Campus |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are a source of constant debate among policy-makers, NGOs, commentators and, of course, Indigenous people themselves. This field work intensive subject brings together elements common to Indigenous development all over the world, including discussions of rights, decolonisation, self-determination, access to services and economic development. In Australia, the role of the state is particularly important as the main interface between people with migrant or settler origins and the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who desire to live on their traditional lands. The historical experience of communities of dispossession and discrimination are a powerful backdrop to their continued struggles to maintain language and culture, wellbeing and a better quality of life ‘on country’.
This subject is part of the Masters in Development Studies. It explores development as experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote Australia. It considers both their own endeavours and aspirations through self-generated development and those initiatives (generally in the form of projects and programs) brought by outsiders, especially government agencies and NGOs. The subject will comprise a participatory action research process designed by students and a period of five days visiting a remote community, together with meetings and discussions with government and NGO representatives. Aboriginal people and organisations will host the group in the community, playing an active role in the research. Students will gain insights that will enable them to develop a comprehensive analysis of the Australian development condition as it relates to a remote community of Aboriginal people in the far north of the country.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should have:
- developed essential skills in participatory action research in a development context;
- gained experience in and understanding of the social, economic and environmental conditions that exist in a remote community in Australia;
- engaged with the complexities of development as perceived by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially through their interactions with the State;
- developed the ability to analyse contested issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander development; and
- developed skills in communicating on complex and sensitive topics across cultural boundaries.
Generic skills
On completion of the subject, students should have:
- progressed research analysis and problem solving skills;
- the ability to work as an effective team member;
- developed further written and oral communication; and
- further developed the ability to operate successfully in the context of unfamiliar surroundings and problems.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must be admitted into the
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
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There is a Permission of Coordinator requisite on this quota subject.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
To undertake this subject it is advised that students have already completed the two core of the Masters of Development Studies DEVT90009 Development Theories and DEVT90053 Intervening in Development.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A report of 2000 words (40%) on an Indigenous development initiative, due 4 weeks after the intensive fieldtrip teaching period.
- A research essay of 3000 words (60%), due 8 weeks after the intensive fieldtrip teaching period.
- Hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory for all classes.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- February - Off Campus
Mode of delivery Off Campus Contact hours Total 24 hours: comprised of seminars, smaller group workshops, and excursions, delivered intensively off-campus over 5 days. Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 13 February 2017 Teaching period 20 February 2017 to 24 February 2017 Last self-enrol date 14 February 2017 Census date 10 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 28 April 2017 Assessment period ends 2 June 2017 February contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of the subject.
Recommended texts and other resources
Marisol de la Cadena Orin Starn, (2007) Indigenous Experiences Today, Berg: Oxford.
Altman, Jon and Sean Kerins (2012), People on Country: Vital Landscapes, Indigenous Futures, Federation Press, Sydney. - Subject notes
This subject is taught intensively. As this is an intensive fieldwork subject, the number of students will be capped at 20 people. Therefore students wanting to take this subject will be subject to a selection process. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the 200 point Masters of Development Studies yet other students wanting to take this subject should still apply and will be included in the program if space allows. All students will be asked to submit a statement on why they want to undertake the subject.
The subject coordinator will undertake selection based on academic merit and the application statement. The selection process will be conducted after the release of the Semester 2 results, and students will be notified before the end of the end of the year of the success of their application. Students will be expected to attend a briefing session three weeks prior to the commencement of the field trip.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Gender and Development Specialisation - 200 point program Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Development Studies Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Development Studies - Links to additional information
Last updated: 3 November 2022