121-104 Indigenous Performance and Culture

With the approval of the Anthropology undergraduate coordinator this subject may be included in a major in Anthropology.

This subject will introduce aspects of cultural expression among Indigenous peoples in Australia across a range of contemporary contexts with emphasis on conceptualisations of identity, place, community and ownership. Students who complete this subject will have a sound knowledge of these concepts and the ability to pursue a major in Australian Indigenous Studies. Contemporary practices in music, dance and theatre among Indigenous Australians will be a primary focus, and comparative international case studies will also be discussed. This subject will explore issues of cultural representation, authenticity, appropriation, syncretism, mediation and cultural activism through its examination of the projection of identity, place, community, and ownership through performative media. Texts and other materials by scholars and leading practitioners in the fields of music, dance, theatre, anthropology, cultural geography and cultural studies will be made available in a student manual and listed in a bibliography. Guest lecturers from these fields will be invited to deliver case-study presentations.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available