SOCA3850.1: Indigeneity as a Global Concept

This fascinating three-week course will explore the contemporary social, cultural, economic and political situations of indigenous peoples all across the globe.

You’ll be introduced to definitions and parameters of indigenous peoples, and will engage with a wide range of case studies that illustrate indigenous peoples’ struggles.

Understand the different situations in which indigenous peoples coexist with non-indigenous peoples

Firstly, you’ll identify numerous past and present definitions of the much-contested phrase ‘indigeneity’, and will define the parameters that define indigenous peoples.

You’ll also engage with a range of case studies that illustrate indigenous peoples’ struggles, and will examine their relationship between indigenous peoples and non-indigenous peoples all across the globe.

Study postcolonial theory to see how colonialism has affected indigenous peoples

You’ll then get an insight into the impact of colonialism, imperialism and postcolonial theory for indigenous peoples, as well as the challenges facing indigenous peoples in today’s world, such as conflict over land and marine rights, reclamation of pre-colonial political boundaries and entities and co-existence with settler and migrant communities.

By investigating examples of 21st century land use struggles (such as the Brazilian ‘war of survival’), the course places a distinct emphasis on how contemporary challenges facing indigenous peoples continue to relate to urgent questions of land and land use.

Learn from anthropological experts at The University of Newcastle

Throughout the course you’ll be learning from experts within the field of indigeneity at the University of Newcastle, and will be able to ask them and fellow students for guidance throughout.