100-005 Exploring Central Australia

Students are not permitted to undertake within a 12-month period more than two subjects offered by the Australian Centre. This subject includes fieldwork in central Australia. An outline of the fieldwork program is available from the Australian Centre and at the web site http://www.australian.unimelb.edu.au. A quota of 25 students applies.

Exploring Central Australia is a subject designed to guide students towards a 'shaping' experience of Central Australia. That is to say, it is a subject designed to prompt academic inquiry in the context of a first-hand encounter - an intensive field trip - with the environment and cultures of the region. We will be focusing on the contested histories and contemporary realities, with particular attention to issues of race and culture, in the town of Alice Springs, and also exploring the 'meanings' of Uluru for both the Anangu people and non-indigenous Australians. It is assumed that students will come to Exploring Central Australia with an active interest in Australian cultural politics, and the history and making of the variegated literature of the region. This interdisciplinary subject is taught through a combination of seminars at the University and an intensive field trip (at additional cost) to Central Australia (five days/six nights). Students will be exposed to a unique series of content-based discussions, readings, and first-hand experiences - including the opportunity to learn about Central Australia from its Aboriginal and non-indigenous inhabitants. They will be encouraged to produce research and writing that investigates issues, challenges stereotypes, and draws upon their fieldwork observations and interactions.

Assessment will consist of seminar and fieldwork participation, and research based assessment totalling 4000 words.