Key facts
UNE unit code: ENSC220
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Australia.
You will start by taking a global perspective, followed by a deep look into Australian Aboriginal teachings and lore, and how it connects to Country (the environment).
You will learn the importance of accepting Indigenous Knowledge, how it can be embedded into Western Science methods and how to utilise both during research projects.
The unit focuses on important skills for your employability as a graduate, including cross-cultural communication, critical thinking and exploring alternative options.
You will keep a Reflective Journal of your personal journey through this unit.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. An Intensive school will be conducted for all students. Activities will include a field trip to Wattleridge Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) near Guyra, NSW where students will gain first hand experience discussing with Local land rangers and Indigenous knowledge holders that currently work alongside ERS staff and students in research. Will also involve a weaving lesson and dancing lesson accompanied by story-telling and why these activities are important in the everyday life of Aboriginal Australian. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how Indigenous Knowledge systems in science can be used for a sustainable environmental future;
- analyse and review available information on co-management strategies and the impacts of how these are implemented in practical situation for comprehensive environmental management outcomes; and
- exercise critical thinking and judgement in discussing issues related to Australian Aboriginal Peoples and their connection to Country.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Research Proposal | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Research proposal based on your discipline that acknowledges and includes the Indigenous stakeholders involved in the project. No. Words: 2000 |
Case Study | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Case Study conducted on the Aboriginal peoples of the area where you usually reside. No. Words: 1500 |
Practical | Yes | All offerings | The entire Intensive School is mandatory for all students to attend. | |
Practical Engagement | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Engagement in the practical activities will form part of the assessment in this unit. Equivalent to approximately 24 hours. |
Reflective Journal | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Journal entries to reflect the thoughts and learnings throughout the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Indigenous peoples and the collaborative stewardship of nature: knowledge binds and institutional conflicts.
ISBN: 9781598745788
Anne Ross, Kathleen Pickering Sherman, Jeffrey G Snodgrass, Henry D Delcore, Richard Sherman, Routledge 1st Edition 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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