East Timor Field Class (GEOG30026)

This subject consists of a 10-day field intensive with a series of three compulsory full day pre-departure sessions and a post-intensive workshop. The subject is designed to develop students’ understanding of the Asia-Pacific region and in particular of the complex geographies of small island and post-conflict states. Through a comparative ethnographic focus on East Timor and Indigenous Australia, students will gain an appreciation of important historical and contemporary issues relevant to both contexts and develop their empirical and analytical research skills while carrying out small group research into the impacts of conflict, climate and culture on social and economic development and the environment. Students will participate in a number of rural and urban site visits in Victoria and virtual site visits/discussions in East Timor. They will interact with a range of community members, academics, and representatives from government and non-government organizations.

The field trip will be under the supervision of the subject coordinators. Students are responsible for the cost of travel, accommodation and food. In 2021 the estimated cost is between $900-$1100.

Note this subject may be taken as the Capstone subject in the Geography major of the BA and BSc. All students, whether they are capstone students or not, will be required to complete online introductory materials that are common across all field classes.