Indigenous Cultural Heritage (INDG30002)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject asks students to consider cultural heritage in the broadest possible sense. While the government’s narrow view has been to define cultural heritage as the protection of the past to preserve designated Indigenous places, objects, knowledge, etc., compliance to settler-state legal and policy frameworks, therefore, becomes a key characteristic of heritage in this sense. This subject, however, seeks to discuss heritage in a way that is directly informed by the Indigenous cultural production of today and the recent past. Students are asked to consider the place and importance of Indigenous culture and its unique heritage in contemporary Australia. Indigenous cultural expression is both a commodity and a vehicle of Indigenous identity and resistance. Students undertaking this subject should develop a deeper consciousness of the politics of consumption and appreciation of Aboriginal cultural production and the politics of content. 

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Critically analyse the concept of cultural heritage from both narrow and broader perspectives, including the government's definition, focused on protecting designated Indigenous places, objects, and knowledge, as well as the Indigenous cultural production of today and the recent past.
  • Evaluate the role and importance of Indigenous culture and its unique heritage in contemporary Australia, considering its significance as a commodity, a vehicle of Indigenous identity, and a form of resistance.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the politics of consumption and appreciation of Aboriginal cultural production, including the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the commodification and representation of Indigenous cultures.
  • Examine the politics of content within Indigenous cultural expression, exploring how cultural production can challenge, subvert, or reinforce dominant narratives and power structures.
  • Critically reflect on the intersections between Indigenous cultural heritage and the ongoing processes of decolonisation and self-determination.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • work effectively as an individual and member of class;
  • communicate complex ideas clearly and comprehensively;
  • engage in an informed discussion of ideas and issues, including those involving sensitivities that relate to Aboriginal and settler communities;
  • develop the ability to make informed decisions about Indigenous subject matter;
  • apply their learning in a culturally sensitive way. 

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

AIND30010 Aboriginal Cultural Studies

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: 4 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Tutorial participation and a 10-minute class presentation

  • 800 words (equivalent)
Throughout the teaching period20%

An essay

  • 1500 words
Mid semester30%

An essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorNestor Guity Zapata
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 30 hours: a 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

     nguityzapatata@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025