Being Indigenous in the 21st Century (INDG30001)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

This capstone subject allows students to draw together their knowledge and learning experiences in the Indigenous Studies Major. Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on the deeper implications of this knowledge and explore a range of topics towards a project of their choosing in their research essay. Lectures will be delivered relating to topics including self-reflexivity and cultural competency, Indigenous research, Indigenous youth, dispossession, decolonisation, reconciliation, truth, remembrance, reshaping relations with the settler-state, museums, repatriation, the protection of Country, the living spiritual traditions of bark and dot painting, and healing and the regeneration of cultural traditions today. Students will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue about these topics and to demonstrate an informed awareness in these areas and knowledge of ontological and cultural differences and associated sensitivities. This subject is the practical fruition of the interdisciplinary perspectives of the Indigenous Studies major. Students will be able to develop and communicate a mature and broad intellectual perspective on Australian Indigenous affairs.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Critically reflect on the knowledge and learning experiences gained throughout the Indigenous Studies Major, demonstrating self-reflexivity and cultural competency.
  • Analyse and evaluate various topics related to Indigenous studies, such as decolonisation, reconciliation, truth, remembrance, reshaping relations with the settler-state, museums, repatriation, the protection of Country, and the living spiritual traditions of bark and dot painting.
  • Develop an informed awareness and sensitivity towards ontological and cultural differences and the associated sensitivities in the context of Indigenous studies.
  • Apply interdisciplinary perspectives and approaches to explore a chosen topic or research area within Indigenous studies, culminating in a research essay or project.
  • Demonstrate a mature and broad intellectual perspective on Australian Indigenous affairs, drawing upon the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Indigenous Studies Major.
  • Engage in critical dialogue and discussions on various topics related to Indigenous studies, such as Indigenous research, Indigenous youth, dispossession, healing, and the regeneration of cultural traditions today.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  •  develop the ability to make informed decisions about Indigenous subject matter;
  •  work effectively as an individual and member of the class in producing new learning outcomes;
  •  demonstrate an advanced use of research applications and resources, and make informed decisions with respect to their usage;
  • engage in an informed and reasonable discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities that relate to Australian Indigenous and settler communities; 
  • produce high-quality written material that encompasses the complexities and sensitivities of Australian Indigenous Studies. 

Last updated: 4 March 2025