2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Indigenous Studies Major | 2020 

Indigenous Studies explores the controversies, complexities and contradictions that shape what it means to be Indigenous in Australia and the world today. Contemporary Indigenous Australia is a fascinating crossroad of history, culture, power and politics. It includes the study of practical issues, political issues as well as understanding where these issues overlap. 

Indigenous Studies at UOW is designed to equip you to think incisively about issues that impact on Indigenous individuals and communities on a local, national and global scale. This includes a focus on cultural, political, economic and social factors that have shaped, and continue to shape, the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is developed through the study of international Indigenous experiences and engagement with a range of Indigenous perspectives and organisations on a global scale. 

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Identify how Indigenous Studies has developed as a focus of scholarly inquiry and how it relates to other areas of study
2 Evaluate the ideologies and paradigms that continue to shape both popular and scholarly understandings of Indigenous peoples
3 Analyse, both critically and reflectively, Indigenous peoples’ understandings of themselves and the world
4 Evaluate the major social and political influences that have underpinned the history of colonisation and resistance

Subjects Required for Major Study 

Students studying the Indigenous Studies major will complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Year 1 Core - A minimum of ONE from the following:
INDS130 Indigenous Knowledge in Global Contexts 6
INDS150 Introduction to Indigenous Australia 6
Year 2 Core
INDS207 Indigeneity in the Contemporary World6
INDS208 Working with Indigenous Communities 6
Year 3 Core
INDS305 Research and Indigenous Communities 6
INDS302 Indigenous Thinkers: Global Perspectives (capstone) 6

Elective List:

Plus a minimum of THREE from the following. At least TWO must be at 300 level.

AUST101 Australian Studies: Cultures and Identities 6
CAVA123 Australian Aboriginal Arts 6
CST 130 Cultures in Context 6
PHIL151 Logic: The Art of Reasoning 6
SOC 103 Introduction to Sociology 6
CAVA232 Contemporary Indigenous Art: Theory and Practice 6
HIST292 Power and Protest 6
INDS205 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment 6
INDS206 Aboriginal Art and Culture 6
PHIL218 Ethics: Good, Bad and Evil 6
PHIL226 Global Ethics 6
SOC 225 Youth Cultures 6
SOC 227 Genders and Sexualities 6
SOC 234 Social Research Methods 6
CST 361 Feminisms: Love, Rage and Activism6
CST 371 Race and Place 6
ENGL381 Animals and Ecology in Literature and Film 6
HAS 350 Social Determinants of Indigenous Health 6
HIST351 Australian History: Moments that Matter 6
INDS303 Indigenous Youth and Popular Culture 6
INDS304 Special Topic in Indigenous Studies 6
LAW 344 Indigenous Peoples and Legal Systems 6
As one of the three elective subjects, either of the following 100 level subjects not already taken as a core can be selected:
INDS130 Indigenous Knowledge in Global Contexts 6
INDS150 Introduction to Indigenous Australia 6

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Indigenous Studies is available. Information is available on the 2020 General Schedule of Minors page.

Students cannot complete both a major and minor in Indigenous Studies.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 'Career Ready Learning and Practice'  (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Other Information

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020