Bachelor of Indigenous Studies

Overview

Description:
 The Bachelor of Indigenous Studies is designed to give students a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their histories, environment, cultures, languages, politics and economies. This is an employment orientated degree that equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Career pathways would include private sector, Indigenous community organisations and government departments.

The course is offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. It recognizes the significance of Indigenous languages and cultures as an important part of the heritage of all Australians.

Students may select their own course of study or specialise in one of the following areas: Media and Public Relations; Community Development and Family Wellbeing; Indigenous Worldviews, Identity and Knowledges; Indigenous Political Contexts; Languages and Literature.
 
Duration:
 3 years fulltime
 
Mode:
 On campus, full or part time *
 
Workload:
 Normal workload expectations are a minimum of 10 hours per week for every subject, including class contact hours, preparation and time spent on assessment tasks.
 
Type:
 Undergraduate
 
Credit points:
 72 credit points o
 
Mid-year entry:
 Yes
 
Prerequisite/s:
 English
 
Campus:
 Townsville, Cairns
 
Faculty:
 Arts, Education and Social Sciences
 
QTAC code:
 311161 Townsville; 321161 Cairns
 

* Duration: Part-time study is available to domestic students only.

o Credit points: Represent the combined value of individual subjects in a degree. One subject usually constitutes three credit points.
 

Structure

Disclaimer - The list of subjects below is correct for 2008, but may change for 2009. Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses.

The Bachelor of Indigenous Studies is an employment orientated degree that equips Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Career pathways would include private sector, Indigenous community organisations and government departments. The course is offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and recognises the significance of Indigenous languages, histories and cultures as an important part of the heritage of all Australians.

Students wishing to take this course must consult the Academic Adviser within the School of Indigenous Australian Studies in order to map out a chosen field of study.

YEAR 1

IA1015:03 Indigenous Australian World Views 1 - Survival, Identity and Cultural Diversity

Plus 9 credit points from the following:

IA1007:03 Linking Indigenousness 1

IA1017:03 Indigenous Family Wellbeing and Community Development

IA1018:03 North Queensland Indigenous Historical Voices

SS1010:03 Australian People: Indigenous and Anthropological Perspectives

Additional subjects may be selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Indigenous Studies.

YEAR 2

IA2018:03 Indigenous Australian World Views 2: Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

Plus at least 9 credit points at level 2 from the following subjects #:

# Subjects with the same title at level 2 and level 3 have common lectures but the workload and assessment requirements at level 3 will be greater and will require a higher standard of performance. These subjects may be taken at one level only in the same Teaching Period.

IA2007:03 Linking Indigenousness 2

IA2010:03 Black Writers

IA2013:03 Ecology and Australian Indigenous Cultures

IA2016:03 Australian Indigenous Politics

IA2017:03 Impact of Change on Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective

IA2020:03 Australian Indigenous Languages

Additional subjects may be selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Indigenous Studies.

YEAR 3

IA3012:03 Indigenous Australian World Views 3 – Introduction to Indigenous Research

Plus

IA3002:03 Creoles and English Based Languages

IA3007:03 Linking Indigenousness 3

IA3101:03 Media and Race Relations

Additional subjects may be selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Indigenous Studies.

YEAR 4 (Honours)

IA4010:06 Indigenous Research Ethics, Methodologies and Procedures

IA4012:06 Interpreting Research

IA4102:06 Honours Thesis Part 1 of 2

IA4103:06 Honours Thesis Part 2 of 2

Additional subjects may be selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Indigenous Studies.

Honours

An Honours program is available for those students who demonstrate high academic performance. Honours consists of an extra year of study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. The Faculty also offers a wide range of postgraduate study opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Bachelor of Indigenous Studies graduates are sought for careers in both the public and private sectors in management, politics, policy and planning, research, advocacy, administration, community engagement, cultural heritage management, education and training, and community welfare. Key industries include tourism, the arts, media, health, law, the environment, and resource management.

Practical Experience

Through collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Bachelor of Indigenous Studies offers first-hand experience of the diversity of Indigenous life in northern Australia.

In each year the subject, Linking Indigenousness, is taught in the field. Students are taught by community leaders. The field trips give students first-hand experience of contemporary Indigenous communities, enhancing their understanding of community histories and current issues. Students also gain an insight into research ethics and protocols for consulting communities.

Special Facilities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an important place in tropical Queensland, as the traditional custodians of the land and sea and as part of a culturally diverse community. Traditional connections and responsibilities remain strong, making an important contribution to the region's cultural life.

The School of Indigenous Australian Studies (SIAS) manages research projects and provides the opportunity for students to undertake research in the field of Indigenous studies.

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