Credit Points 10

Coordinator Donna James Opens in new window

Description Drawing on global case studies, this subject aims to introduce students to some of the pressing socio-cultural issues facing indigenous peoples around the world. The subject examines the complex relationships between globalisation, colonialism and post-colonialism and contemporary indigenous cultures and identities. It draws attention to the way in which issues of representation, cultural autonomy, cultural commodification, development and human rights play out with respect to indigenous peoples’ lives. More specifically, the subject interrogates the power relations and politics central to many of these issues and examines the nature of contemporary indigenous and non-indigenous interactions, particularly in the contexts of tourism and heritage, the cultural industries, the environment, development and urbanisation.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Human Geography

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Equivalent Subjects CULT 3016 - Indigenous Cultures A Global Perspective

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how globalisation has complexified indigenous cultural identities.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical and contemporary relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples and cultures by discussing the theories and concepts of colonialism, postcolonialism, autonomy, participatory methods and self-determination.
3. Critically reflect on the issues of cultural representation and cultural consumption.
4. Analyse how politics, power, ethics, ontology and epistemology influence the treatment of indigenous peoples in one of the following contexts: tourism and heritage, the cultural industries, land management and the natural environment, and development.
5. Use online technologies to organise, share and communicate Indigenous-related topics and issues.

Subject Content

1. Concepts of indigeneity in the changing world
2. Theories of colonialism and postcolonialism
3. Autonomy, self-determination and indigenous politics
4. Globalisation and indigenous identities and cultures
5. The representation and consumption of indigenous cultures
6. Mapping indigenous cultural landscape/s
7. Power, land rights, displacement and indigenous protected areas
8. Ethics, tourism, and cultural and environmental heritage
9. Sustainability, development and ethics in practice
10. Ethnography, travel and the Other