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ATS1254 · Culture, power and difference: Indigeneity and Australian identity

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 1Monash Indigenous Studies Centre

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

Anthropology is the study of the diversity of human expression through space and time, which not only focuses on differences and similarities between societies and cultures, but also on connections and contestations between them. This unit will explore these aspects through focussing on the ongoing relationship between Indigenous and Settler Australians. This unit explores points of contestation and how this has shaped the position of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians in contemporary society. Key periods in Indigenous Australia are discussed and the way in which Anthropology has been involved in the process of understanding Indigenous relationships to each other and to the land.

Areas of study: Cultural competence Indigenous cultures and histories Monash Intercultural lab

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
ClaytonFirst semesterTeaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1ReflectionWritten20%
2EssayWritten40%
3Quiz/QuizzesQuiz / Test40%

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. to formulate and critically evaluate concepts for understanding differences, similarities, connections and contestations between cultures;
  2. to perceive the ways in which knowledge about cultural comparisons enables us to be critically aware of our own cultural practices;
  3. to appreciate some of the important features of a number of Indigenous cultures in Australia;
  4. to discuss some of the key contemporary issues which exist in the relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous cultures in Australia; and
  5. to write clear and well-supported responses to various questions posed through exercises and essays.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

ActivityDuration
Tutorials24 hours
Lectures12 hours

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