Extractive Legacies in Latin America (ANTH30022)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2021
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Overview
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Since the turn of the last century, Latin America in general and the Andean region in particular have witnessed a pronounced escalation of investment in extractive industries. Driven in large part by historically high commodity prices and rising Chinese demand, national governments have sought to use oil and mineral rents to finance novel programs of economic redistribution. While generating significant socio-economic benefits, these projects have also contributed to the intensification of environmental conflicts, particularly around water. In recent years, Chile has been home to more than 35 mining-related conflicts, most of them on indigenous territories over water resources.
This subject takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding these conflicts, with a particular focus on the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. It asks comparative questions about the relationships between large-scale mining and indigenous displacement, conflicts over culturally distinct understandings of territory, relationality, and well-being, the legacies of water privatization, the increasingly asymmetrical relations between corporations headquartered in the Global North and extractive frontiers in the Global South, and the effects of climate change on water-related struggles throughout the region. Throughout, we explore similarities and differences with both past and present mining struggles in Australia.
The Atacama Desert offers a particularly privileged location in which to investigate these dynamics on the ground. One of Chile’s main tourist attractions, its rich deposits of copper, lithium and other minerals, its water scarcity, and its long history of indigenous settlements in tension with colonial enclaves, have made it a fascinating microcosm of the regional, national, and global dynamics explored throughout the subject. As a University of Melbourne Overseas subject (UMOS) this subject will take place on site in collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Whilst based in Chile, the subject will involve field trips to relevant sites.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of socio-political narratives and debates surrounding the extractive industries in Latin America;
- Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge through on-site experience;
- Effectively communicate the social, political, historical and cultural realities shaping Chilean society and the extractive sector in particular;
- Articulate the relationship between diverse and contested forms of knowledge and practice within Latin America and the socio-historical contexts that produced them;
- Understand the different cultural politics surrounding the extractive sector in Chile versus in Australia;
- Be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussions and class presentations.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Develop an understanding of debates in domestic and international politics and an ability to evaluate different interpretations of political phenomena.
- Demonstrate an understanding of research processes in the social sciences including design, methodology and methods, critical analysis and interpretation, and the diversity of approaches to research.
- Recognise the importance of ethical standards of conduct in the research and analysis of social and political phenomena.
- Work productively in groups.
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
- Develop an ability to work with independence and self-reflection, and engage in problem solving.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
- Basic Spanish language skills would be an advantage but not essential.
- Students are encouraged, but not required, to undertake one of the following subjects prior to enrolling in this subject:
- Exploring Latin America (SPAN30021)
- Cultures & Flavours of Latin America (UNIB20019)
- Global Histories of Indigenous Activism (HIST30074)
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
This subject is taught off-campus and physical access to some of the venues and modes of transport may be challenging. These should be discussed with the subject coordinator prior to enrolment.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Contribution to online platform documenting and discussing the overseas subject, due during fieldtrip
| During the teaching period | 35% |
Group presentation in class, due during fieldtrip
| During the teaching period | 15% |
Critical Research Essay, due 4 weeks after completion of the fieldtrip
| 4 Weeks after the end of teaching | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend all classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation is required. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2021
Additional delivery details
Enrolment is limited to 20 students. An application process applies and students will be selected based on their academic merit, application statement and interview. This overseas intensive subject will incur additional costs such as travel and accommodation. Students may be eligible to apply for funding support.
Location: Chile, South America
Duration: 2 weeks
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Off-campus study
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022