166-038 Indigenous Rights: Land and Heritage

Usually one first-year politics subject. It is highly recommended that students of this subject also complete 166-120 Indigenous People and the State.

This subject deals with three major areas of indigenous discourse. These are indigenous occupation and land relations, indigenous heritage (cultural property) rights, and indigenous land justice before and after Mabo. The subject focuses on the nature and extent of indigenous occupation, which is used to examine how indigenous land relations reflect themselves in rights arising form prior occupation. It analyses the origins of indigenous rights, and assesses the extent to which indigenous entitlements to land and heritage has been delivered by Australian politico-legal systems. Students who complete this subject will develop an understanding of the inherent rights that indigenous peoples are asserting, and the major barriers to achieving justice and racial equality within Australian politico-legal processes. A significant part of the subject will focus on the indigenous struggle for the ownership and control of cultural heritage and land in South East Australia with particular emphasis on Victorian Kooris. Students will acquire indigenous perspectives on contemporary issues through interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in lectures and tutorials, through audiovisual materials and through the writings of indigenous people in the reading pack. At the end of the subject, a 'cultural camp' will be held in Yorta Yorta country for interested students.

• 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 ideologically 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 small group discussions.

A take-home exam of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 60% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.