121-231 Indigenous Peoples & Resource Management

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

This subject examines ideas about 'nature' and 'biodiversity' and the forms of knowledge and types of power which mediate the relationships between Indigenous and techno-scientific natural and cultural resource management in Australia and other postcolonial states. It examines some of the central issues related to the efforts by Indigenous people to regain control over their estates and biological resources and protect, promote and facilitate the use of their traditional biodiversity knowledge and resource management practices. The subject also examines the developing international frameworks for the preservation and maintenance of traditional biodiversity related knowledge and resource management and national responses to such initiatives.

• gain an understanding of critical theories relating to resource management and social justice;

• be capable of critiquing the social, cultural and economic impacts of international and national resource management frameworks effectively;

• have the ability to apply resource management knowledge to cross-cultural situations.

Two essays totalling 4000 words 90% (one due mid-semester and at the end of semester) and tutorial presentation and participation 10%.