ANTH 2055 - Native Title Anthropology: Society, Law & Practice

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2014

Native title anthropology is worth knowing about. It is anthropology `to do' with and `to think with'. Native title anthropology affects the rights and futures of people and communities. It is professional practice with impact. The native title system provides a `recognition space' where different systems of social organisation, culture, knowledge and power overlap: the customs and traditions of Australian law as it has evolved here from English common law; and the law, customs and traditions of Indigenous societies as they have evolved since colonisation of the continent. Native title anthropology is anthropology with depth of field: exploring, documenting and analysing connections between Indigenous people, country, knowledge and practice over time; engaging with other fields of knowledge and professional practice (primarily law, but also history, Indigenous studies, development and organisational studies, and more); working at the interface of Indigenous people and their organisations; significant others and their stakeholder organisations; and the courts, state power and governmentality; and providing advice for actions, structures and processes to inform future action. This course is a practicum designed to facilitate learning in practice and with practitioners. It is designed for people working in the native title system and those seeking deeper understanding of Australian society, law and politics. Learn as a member of a community of practice on-line and in an intensive week of study on campus. Over the course you will be introduced to key concepts, processes and approaches in native title anthropology. Assignments enable you to focus on a particular project in a staged way from negotiation of a research brief to the timely reporting of research findings. Join us to explore and learn about this important social, legal, political and professional terrain. Lay a basis for further practice and for critical understanding.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANTH 2055
    Course Native Title Anthropology: Society, Law & Practice
    Coordinating Unit Anthropology and Development Studies
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Assumed Knowledge Capacity to use a computer for learning (including for assignments, on-line learning and social networking)
    Course Description Native title anthropology is worth knowing about. It is anthropology `to do' with and `to think with'. Native title anthropology affects the rights and futures of people and communities. It is professional practice with impact.

    The native title system provides a `recognition space' where different systems of social organisation, culture, knowledge and power overlap: the customs and traditions of Australian law as it has evolved here from English common law; and the law, customs and traditions of Indigenous societies as they have evolved since colonisation of the continent.

    Native title anthropology is anthropology with depth of field:
    exploring, documenting and analysing connections between Indigenous people, country, knowledge and practice over time; engaging with other fields of knowledge and professional practice (primarily law, but also history, Indigenous studies, development and organisational studies, and more); working at the interface of Indigenous people and their organisations; significant others and their stakeholder organisations; and the courts, state power and governmentality; and
    providing advice for actions, structures and processes to inform future action.

    This course is a practicum designed to facilitate learning in practice and with practitioners. It is designed for people working in the native title system and those seeking deeper understanding of Australian society, law and politics. Learn as a member of a community of practice on-line and in an intensive week of study on campus. Over the course you will be introduced to key concepts, processes and approaches in native title anthropology. Assignments enable you to focus on a particular project in a staged way from negotiation of a research brief to the timely reporting of research findings.

    Join us to explore and learn about this important social, legal, political and professional terrain. Lay a basis for further practice and for critical understanding.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Deane Fergie

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course students will be able to
    1 demonstrate an informed understanding of the social, political and legal background to native title in Australia 
    2 understand and apply key anthropological and legal concepts and terminology in the field of native title
    3 demonstrate and apply practical ethnographic skills relevant for native title research
    4 design, develop and complete a research project relevant to the anthropology of native title
    5 understand key issues and standards of rigour in the professional practice of native title anthropologists
    6 show an awareness of ethical and methodological issues in the anthropology of native title
    7 reflect on and debate key challenges for Australian society, law and anthropology in relation to native title
    8 work with others, face to face and on-ine as part of a community of native title practice
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3, 4, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 7
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 5, 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All required resources will be freely available in electronic format or through links provided on MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended resources will be freely available on MyUni.
    Online Learning
    MyUni and the 'ANTS Nest' (a live, national and interactive virtual 'community of practice' for native title anthropologists developed at the University of Adelaide) will provide platforms for a 'community of practice' in which students can learn as 'legitimate peripheral participants' in that community of practice.

    MyUni and the ANTS Nest will host a resource bank including the Course Handbook, recorded teaching materials, films, readings, work guides and activity recordings, and will provide students with up-to-date information about course activities.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    This course uses a blend of on-line and intensive on-campus study.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This course is taught intensively over six weeks.
    1 x 3-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 18 hours per semester
    1 x 2-hour workshop (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    12 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    5 hours research per week 30 hours per semester
    4 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    A schedule will be available upon enrolment
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    10 x practical exercises Formative and Summative 5% each (total 50%) 1-8
    Project portfolio Formative and Summative 50% 1-8
    Assessment Detail
    10 x short practical exercises: help you build your background knowledge and develop basic practical skills - 5% weighting each (50% total)

    Project portfolio:  this will be conducted in four stages. Students undertake and negotiate a project brief; prepare a budget and work plan for the project; research and compile a project database; deliver a report on time against the brief - 50% weighting.
    Submission
    All assignments must be submitted electronically via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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