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  3. Indigenous Social & Political Movements

Indigenous Social & Political Movements (POLS90063)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Taking a global perspective, this subject explores contemporary relationships between Indigenous people and settler societies from a legal, political and social perspectives. In a comparative perspective, it examines the dynamics of these relations in terms of global, national and regional political orders, exploring the impact and management of the dispossession of Indigenous people. It explores Indigenous social and political movements for land rights and self-determination, as well movements of resurgence and reconciliation. This subject is also concerned with the methodological and ethical complexities of conduction research on Indigenous issues both within settler societies and globally.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Have a critical understanding of the key challenges and controversies concerning the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settler societies
  • Have a critical understanding of the impact and management of dispossession of Indigenous peoples in settler societies and the different ways in which Indigenous peoples have responded
  • Develop a critical sociological, political and legal understanding of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settler societies
  • Have an understanding of the requirements for ethical and sound research on Indigenous issues.

Generic skills

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

  • Apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
  • Develop persuasive arguments on a given topic
  • Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

Last updated: 19 November 2025