107-472 Aboriginal Art in the Northern Territory

This subject is quota restricted to 12 students.

Application forms are available from the subject coordinator either via email (susan.lowish@unimelb.edu.au) or by telephone (+61 3 8344 5246). Completion of the application form does not guarantee admission. Successful applicants will be notified in writing, after which they may enrol at the Faculty of Arts Student Service Centre, Ground Floor, Old Arts Building.

Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught during the Winter Recess. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject must be made in line with HECS/course fee census dates.

37.5 points of art history at second/third year for third year students or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in Art History for fourth-year students

This subject is taught in Alice Springs and Darwin including visits to Aboriginal communities. Emphasising Indigenous ownership of cultural knowledge, students will consider the history and development of Aboriginal art in the Northern Territory and the specific social, economic, geographical and cultural effects it has generated. In a series of structured classes, students will be versed in protocols and introduced to traditional owners and community members. During visits to communities, students will witness the creation of artworks and be able to initiate projects based on primary research. They will learn about the key issues and elements governing the contemporary Aboriginal art scene, the relationship between art and culture, including the importance of art in the wider community. Funding, management models and resource availability will be explained in relation to the art centres visited. Students will also study the display and consumption of Indigenous art at institutional and tourist levels.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

A research exercise 1000 words 25% (due during July) and an essay of 3000 words 75% (due in August) for 3rd year. A written site project, equivalent to 1500 words 25% (due in July), and an essay of 3500 words 75% (due in August) for 4th year.

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the start of teaching.