This unit is an enquiry into the fundamental issue for 'Indigenous studies' which is: What might constitute the 'Indigenous domain'? With what or whom are 'we' concerned? (Who might 'we' be?). What are the possible frameworks for a meaningful enquiry into what it is that 'we' are concerned with? This approach is represented in three, thematic sub-units of the course.
Indiginised Perspectives examines the ways 'we' 'see' and 'know' 'Indigenous', and the repercussions of that for 'Indigenous studies'. We do this initially through an overview of a history of 'Western' knowledge (epistemology), from Plato through the Enlightenment to some postmodern theorisations of 'difference' (and power). We also look at some theorisations on 'passing' and its ramifications for questions concerning identity formation.
Multiple Significations considers 'Indigenous' cultural expressions (eg art), the ways 'we' understand and respond to that and the ways Indigenous peoples both resist and accommodate that, thus creating a potential medium of communication.
Governmentality looks at specific examples of how 'Western' taken-for-granted theories of justice result in unjust outcomes for indigenous people in the contemporary, liberal democratic, multicultural Australian nation state. We also examine the idea of Indigenous 'community' how communities know and think about themselves and their experiences and strategies of dealing with 'state thinking' and behaviour.
