121-224 Garma Fieldwork

This subject will be delivered both on campus and through an intensive fieldwork experience in northeast Arnhem Land, relying on digital, audio-visual and print resources in both Melbourne and the Northern Territory. A quota of 25 students applies to this subject. Please contact the School for further details.

Usually completion of 100 points of first and/or second year subjects including at least 50 points of first year level from approved subjects in your home faculty.

This subject aims to introduce students to fieldwork and research in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, as guests of traditional owners of the region. Students from a wide range of disciplines including Geography, Environmental Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistics, Music, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, History, Law, Education, Biology and Botany are invited to learn about the region's culture and intellectual traditions, and to contribute to the further development of cross-cultural learning and research strategies between local communities and the university. The subject will also introduce students to key literary and documentary sources by scholars who have worked in Arnhem Land, and to unique literary, audio-visual and digital resources produced by peoples of the region which explore their rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Students will learn about indigenous protocols for learning and the transmission of knowledge through an intensive fieldwork experience in Arnhem Land.

• have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication;

• have practice in conducting research and writing in a clear and concise manner;

• comprehend complex concepts and have the ability to use this knowledge to problem solve in a rational manner.

A short exercise of 500 words 5% (due in week 3), a field report of 4000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 4000 words 45% (due at the end of semester).