306057 (v.1) Approaches to Research in Indigenous Australian Contexts 501

Area:

Centre for Aboriginal Studies

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 1 Hours Weekly

Tutorial:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Anti Requisite(s):

305627 (v.2) Indigenous Australian Research 302 or any previous version

Syllabus:

Exploration of various broad approaches to the conduct of research in indigenous contexts including the positivist and interpretivist paradigms. Specifically, it will examine - scientific, indigenous and other ways of knowing the world. The ways in which the dominant scientific and experimental research method can devalue indigenous peoples' knowledge and lived experiences and new and emerging approaches to research and their applicability to indigenous contexts.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Recognised the diversity of systems of knowledge and ways of knowing. An understanding of the relationships between power and knowledge, and the ways in which knowledge can be controlled, legitimised and accepted as the truth. An identification of the influence of positivism as a dominant discourse. An explanation of the relevance of post-positivist research paradigms to Indigenous research and development contexts. An understanding of the rationale for adopting decolonising approaches to research in Indigenous contexts.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Australian Research Council (1999). Research of Interst to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Commissioned Report No. 59, National Board of Employment, Education and Training, AGPS. Carr, W. and Kemmis, S., (1986). Becoming Critical Education, Knowledge and Action Research, Deakin University, Geelong. Collard, K., Dudgeon, P., and Walker, R., (1998). Aboriginalising the Curriculum: A Disciplined Approach? Curtin Indigenous Research Centre Discussion Papers, No. 16, Perth, Curtin University.;;Denzin, N., (1989). Interpretive Interactionism, Sage, Cal., Applied Social Research Series, Vol. 16, Chap. 1. The Interpretive Point of View, . Dick, B., (1993). You want to do an action research thesis?, Interchange Resource Document. pp 1-11. Harding, S. (1987). Feminism and Methodology, Indiana University Press, Bloomington, Chapter 1. Introduction pp 1-13.

Unit Texts:

Smith, L. (1999). Decolonizing Methodologies Research and Indigenous Peoples, London, Zed Books.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Research Essay 50%, Research Journal 50%. This is by Grade/Mark Assessment.

Field of Education:

90311 Indigenous Studies

HECS Band (if applicable):

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

Not Online

Result Type:

Grade/Mark

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.

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