KNL 2001 Managing and Recording Indigenous Knowledge

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Dominant (Eurocentric) forms of knowledge and understanding have become equated with universal epistemologies. By comparison, Indigenous peoples worldwide have a knowledge base which is at odds with and excluded by such an epistemological structure. This dearth of recognition, interest and understanding needs to be addressed. An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island knowledge systems will provide greater insights for both scientists, educators and researchers alike, equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance their working relationships with and for Indigenous Australians. A course based on Australian Indigenous knowledge will enhance learning, skills development and the delivery of effective, culturally inclusive pedagogy and research for all Australians. Also, such a course would provide students with a greater capacity for managing and recording Indigenous knowledge, as students would gain greater appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures.

SYNOPSIS:

A course on managing and recording Indigenous knowledge must provide a comprehensive understanding of traditional knowledge systems related to the environment, technology and science, language and communication, survival skills, artefacts and weapons, economics, kinship and social organisation. Essentially the course will present an overview of elements of traditional Indigenous knowledge, how it is used and how it has survived change and how to record it. This course is supplementary and related to all other Australian Indigenous Studies courses offered to students at the University of Southern Queensland, particularly for students studying a major or minor in Australian Indigenous Studies as part of their Arts, Education, Science or Business degree. Students undertaking research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island contexts may take the course as an elective. In this course, students will gain a knowledge and understanding of: The power of knowledge, communication and language and how each can be used and managed to represent the nature, customs and behaviour of Australian Indigenous societies and cultures; The importance of oral traditions and history; Indigenous intellectual property rights and copyright, Government legislation and policy formulation in relation to Australia Indigenous societies and cultures; Cultural Heritage and Native Title Legislation - implications for Australian Indigenous peoples; Cultural Heritage Legislation and the future; and Research ethics in Indigenous contexts.

OBJECTIVES:

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

1. Discuss the elements of Australian Indigenous knowledge and its uses.
2. Display an ability to assess critically, all forms of literacy on Indigenous knowledge-reading, writing, listening, viewing and comprehending.
3. Discuss and display awareness of the critical nature of managing and recording Australian Indigenous knowledge.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of intellectual property rights, copyright laws and legislation in relation to preserving the cultures of Australian Indigenous peoples.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of research ethics in the managing and recording of Australian Indigenous knowledge.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

INTERVIEW FORMAT

2.

Students will be advised of the official examination date after the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to actively participate in all classes scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete the assignments, students must gain at least 50% of the marks available for each of the assignments.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   An assignment, submitted after the due date without an extension approved by the Examiner, will attract a penalty of 10% of the assigned mark for each day (or part there of that the assignment is late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade for the course, students must demonstrate, via the assessment items in the Assessment Details section that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing all assessment items; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total marks available for all assessment items. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the standard required for a Pass. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 45% of the total marks available for all assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   Final grades for students will be determined by the addition of the marks obtained in each assessment item, weighted as in the Assessment Details section. Marking criteria will be provided in course material as mark sheets/guides or as part of assignment specifications.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Please refer to the USQ Handbook regarding overall course assessment information. Further assessment information for this course is in the Course Introductory book.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the course examiner.
3. In accordance with the University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the Examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances. This policy may be found in the USQ Handbook, and the Distance Education Student Guide for new on-campus students. All students are advised to study and follow the guidelines associated with this policy.