Indigenous Studies
About the major
Indigenous Studies gives students an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and knowledge systems, drawing upon the ideas and methods of disciplines including history, art history, literature, linguistics, film, musicology, anthropology, sociology and health studies.
It involves these disciplines in a critical dialogue with traditional and contemporary Indigenous people and cultures, and with social and political histories of colonisation and decolonisation.
The units offered reflect national and international trends in the discipline of Indigenous Studies, and articulate the many voices, perspectives and priorities of Indigenous peoples and communities. Students are given the opportunity to engage in analysis, discussion and debate around key issues that are of significance to Australian and international Indigenous peoples, such as language and cultural revitalisation, world-leading Indigenous film and literature, the ongoing efforts to improve Indigenous health outcomes and the broader pursuit of Indigenous self-determination and social justice.
Taught by Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic staff from across the University, and experts from the wider community, Indigenous Studies units are offered through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and are available to all students.
Requirements for completion
The Indigenous Studies major and minor requirements are listed in the Indigenous Studies unit of study table.
Indigenous Studies also offer an Open Learning Environment unit, OLET2136 Indigenous History, which can be found in Table O in the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook.
Learning outcomes
| No. | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Develop an informed understanding of Indigenous cultures knowledge systems and languages, and their centrality to traditional and contemporary cultural integrity, expression and well-being. |
| 2 | Critically analyse sources of information to effectively contextualise societal issues and polices in relation to working with and for Indigenous Australians. |
| 3 | Demonstrate and apply an informed understanding of Indigenous community perspectives and engagement protocols, enabling greater confidence and capacity to work and communicate with and for Indigenous peoples. |
| 4 | Formulate an understanding of Australian and international Indigenous cultures, societies and histories, and effectively apply their understanding when working with and for Indigenous peoples. |
| 5 | Create, modify and apply ethical Indigenous research and academic frameworks across a wide range of national and international Indigenous-focused interdisciplinary professional settings. |
| 6 | Apply multidisciplinary methods to develop an understanding of traditional and contemporary Indigenous people and cultures, and with social and political histories of colonisation and decolonisation. |
Contacts and further information
Contact details and current academic coordinators can be found on the Indigenous Studies website
Example pathways
Indigenous Studies major pathway
| Indigenous Studies Major | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Sem 1 | Core: INDG1001 Introduction to Indigenous Culture | |
| Sem 2 | Core: INDG1002 Introduction to Indigenous History | ||
| Year 2 | Sem 1 | Core: INDG2001 Indigenous Land and Culture | |
| Sem 2 | Selective: 2000 level selective unit from the Indigenous Studies major table | ||
| Year 3 | Sem 1 | Core: INDG3001 Indigenous Studies Methodologies | Selective: 3000 level selective unit from the Indigenous Studies major table |
| Sem 2 | Selective: 3000 level selective unit from the Indigenous Studies major table | Interdisciplinary project unit: INDG3999 Interdisciplinary Impact | |
Indigenous Studies minor pathway
| Year and Semester | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | S1 | Core: INDG1001 Introduction to Indigenous Cultures |
| S2 | Core: INDG1002 Introduction to Indigenous History | |
| Year 2 | S1 | Core: INDG2001 Indigenous Land and Culture |
| S2 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for the Indigenous Studies major | |
| Year 3 | S1 | Core: INDG3001 Indigenous Studies Methodologies |
| S2 | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for the Indigenous Studies major | |