Australian Indigenous Studies (AuIS) is a recognised field of study, part of a global disciplinary network of Indigenous Studies. This Major in AuIS offers students opportunities to develop insight into the extraordinary breadth, depth and diversity of First Peoples' knowledges and ways of knowing, the diverse perspectives and experiences of Australia’s First Peoples, and to deepen awareness of and respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Students are introduced to Indigenous philosophical perspectives that underpin the first laws of this place and relationships with and within Country.
The major is interdisciplinary, meaning that it is possible to study courses in Australian Indigenous Studies and other courses that intersect AuIS sensibilities with disciplines such as anthropology, art history, environmental science, history, linguistics, music, or policy studies - combining courses from Schools and Centres in humanities, arts, social sciences, and the physical sciences (including environmental studies and health). Taken together, the courses offer a unique breadth and depth of insight into First Peoples' experiences, knowledges, ways of knowing and being - including First Peoples' occupation and adaption on the Australian continent; socio-cultural, ceremonial, artistic and linguistic practices; relationships between First Peoples and other Australians; and other matters that concern First Peoples today, including First Peoples' perspectives on colonisation in Australian and representation of First Peoples here. The Major offers a broad-based understanding of the phenomenon of colonisation globally, First Peoples' societies, cultures, and continuities, and our relationships with other Indigenous Peoples globally.
Learning Outcomes
demonstrate an informed understanding of and insight into First Peoples' diverse perspectives on Australian history, cultures and societies;
demonstrate an understanding of and insight into First Peoples' diverse knowledges and ways of knowing;
demonstrate insight and informed understanding about the phenomenon of colonisation and the many and different impacts of colonialism on First Peoples and Australian society broadly; and
demonstrate informed insight regarding Australian Indigenous Studies in the context of other Indigenous and First Nations Peoples globally.
Other Information
In some programmes students have the option of taking 'elective courses' which may result in a student being able to complete the AUIS-Major, even where the AUIS Major is not specified in the degree programme rules.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This major requires the completion of 48 units from the following lists including:
• A maximum of 12 units of courses at 1000 level
• A minimum of 12 units of courses at 3000 level
24 units from the completion of the following course(s):
INDG1001 - Country, Kinship and Continuities: An Introduction to Australian Indigenous Studies (6 units)
INDG1002 - First Peoples' resilience rights and resurgence in Australia (6 units)
HIST2022 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History (6 units)
INDG3006 – Indigenous Research: Practice, Collaboration and Ethics (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from the completion of the following:
ANTH2005 - Traditional Australian Indigenous Cultures, Societies and Environment (6 units)
ANTH2017 - Culture, Social Justice and Aboriginal Society Today ( 6 units)**
ARTH2098 - Australian First Nations Art and Culture (6 units)
ARTV2921 - Environment Studio: Field Based Research and Studio Practice in Visual Arts (6 units)*
HLTH3001 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (6 units)
INDG2001 - Indigenous Cultural and Natural Resource Management (6 units)
INDG2002 - Contemporary Australian Indigenous Music Studies (6 units)
INDG2003 - Gamilaraay - Introduction to an Australian Indigenous Language (6 units)
INDG2004 - Continuing Gamilaraay (6 units)
INDG2005 - Introduction to an Australian Indigenous Language (6 units)
INDG2006 - Continuing Australian Indigenous Language (6 units)
INDG3001 - First Nations Peoples, the State and Public Policy in Australia (6 units)
INDG3003 - The Indigenous Economy (6 units)
INDG3005 - Special Topics in Australian Indigenous Studies (6 units)
LING2016 - Language and Society in Indigenous Australia (6 units)
A maximum of 12 units from the completion of the following list:
ANIP3003 - Australian National Internships Program A (6 units)*
ANIP3005 - Australian National Internships Program B (12 units)*
INDG3004 - Independent Research Project in Australian Indigenous Studies (6 units)*
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of the following list:
ANTH3017 - Indigenous Worlds: Challenges of Emergence, Recognition, and Change (6 units)
ARCH2004 - Australian Archaeology (6 units)
HIST2142 - Indigenous Memory and History: On Page, Stage and Screen (6 units)
Note:
*ANIP3003, ANIP3005, ARTV2921, and INDG3004 must be completed on an Australian Indigenous Studies topic to count towards this major.
**ANTH2017 cannot be credited to the Major if the student has undertaken INDG1002 in 2019 or 2020.
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