ant2aba anthropology of aboriginal aus

ANTHROPOLOGY OF ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA

ANT2ABA

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject we take an anthropological view of contemporary Aboriginal life in all its variety, but we also look at the relationship between the pre-colonial past and the post-colonial present in the forging of Aboriginal identities. Students gain an anthropological understanding of features of Aboriginal life which to an extent predate the European settlement of Australia, such as foraging economies, systems of kinship and marriage, and the culture of 'the Dreaming'. We also take an anthropological view of the impact of colonisation and how Aboriginal economy, society and culture have been transformed through relationships with non-Indigenous Australians. In particular, we consider how Aboriginal people have become increasingly conscious of themselves as a single people defined as an Indigenous minority in a settler nation. This subject would also suit students undertaking an International Development or Aboriginal studies minor.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorNicholas Smith

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ANT3ABA

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAn introduction to Aboriginal societiesPreliminaryEdwards, W 1988SOCIAL SCIENCE PRESS
ReadingsPast and present: the construction of AboriginalityPreliminaryBeckett, JR (ed.)ANY EDN, ABORIGINAL STUDIES PRESS

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Apply ethical and cultural awareness to issues in Aboriginal Anthropology.

Activities:
The essays, class tests and the class and seminar discussion will give students ample opportunity to explore the ethical dimensions of Aboriginal anthropology.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

02. Evaluate diverse positions/arguments regarding a relevant topic in Aboriginal Anthropology.

Activities:
The class and seminar discussion will encourage debate around diverse positions and arguments, which will feed into writing essays and answering the class tests.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Writing(Writing)

03. Present a sustained written argument in Aboriginal Anthropology.

Activities:
The major essay will give 2nd year students the opportunity to present a sustained written argument.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

04. Produce a well researched response to a relevant topic in Aboriginal Anthropology.

Activities:
The major essay will give 2nd year students the space in which to produce written research in line with this ILO.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Writing(Writing)

05. Summarise research and arguments on a relevant topic in Aboriginal Anthropology.

Activities:
The literature reviews and secondary source research for the major and minor essays and the semester review for the class tests will require students to summarise work on a relevant topic.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Writing(Writing)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicholas Smith

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 1,000-word minor essay2501, 02
one 2,000-word major essay5001, 02, 03, 04, 05
three class tests (1,000-word equivalent in total)2501, 02, 05