Course Outline

GEO700 Indigenous Peoples and Sustainability

Course Coordinator:Jennifer Carter (jcarter@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Much of the dominant environmental discourse marginalises Indigenous people in multiple ways. This advanced course introduces key concepts and issues for thinking about the needs and aspirations of Indigenous peoples and the structures and processes that have denied, ignored or subsumed those needs and aspirations. It offers alternative ways of responding and implications for creating more equitable and sustainable futures. The course is a strong foundation for professionals working in a range of industries including planning, environmental management, policy, community development and tourism.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Lecture – Live Online Lecture 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial 1hr Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

Migration, colonisation and land use change

Access, equity and spatial difference

International rights, policy and practice

Australian environmental planning and management

Land tenure

Land and water rights

Native title

Cultural heritage

Indigenous tourism

Co-existence and cross-cultural partnerships

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Learning & Teaching Council
1 Demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical geographical knowledge in a specific research or project application. Knowledgeable
Sustainability-focussed
1, 3
2 Independently develop a research problem or argument and an appropriate research design to explore and answer the problem. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
4
3 Critically analyse and evaluate research material according to the question/task that is set and feedback on research. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
5
4 Conduct research and thinking about geographical phenomena that makes considered and ethical contributions as geographers to the future of society and the environment. Empowered
Ethical
5

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Learning & Teaching Council
1 Knowing: Demonstrate a coherent geographical understanding of trends, processes and impacts that shape Australian and other environments and/or societies at different spatial and temporal scales.
3 Thinking: Apply geographical thought creatively, critically and appropriately to specific spaces, places and/or environments.
4 Thinking: Recognise, evaluate and synthesise various views, arguments and sources of knowledge pertinent to solving environmental and social problems.
5 Investigating and problem solving: Resolve geographical questions by ethical means, applying evidence-based knowledge and appropriate research techniques, including those associated with field work.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in any Postgraduate Program

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Timely and detailed feedback is provided for each assessment. Feedback is provided both within text and general comments to build scholarly skills. Students are able to seek feedback through face-to-face discussion with the course coordinator. Tutorials will include extended discussion and review of the assessment task requirements and scope.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 25%
1500 words
Week 5 Online Submission
All 2 Essay Individual 50%
2500 words
Week 13 Online Submission
All 3 Journal Individual 25%
1500 words
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Take home exam
Goal:
You will critically apply your knowledge to specific questions to demonstrate you understand the basic concepts
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
You will be required to write four short answers of approximately 250 words each in response to a selection of questions based on the required readings set for weeks one to five. You will also write one essay style answer of approximately 500 words from a selection of questions based on those readings. The questions for the take-home exam will be posted on Blackboard in week 1.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
​Content:  Relevant, and critical. Recognising conflicting theories and explanations.
3
2
Argument:  Logically consistent. Adequately supported through discussion and use of evidence obtained from required readings.
3
3
Clarity and Expression: Clear quality of expression. Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling and referencing both correct and used well.
3
4
Assessment criteria are mapped to the course learning outcomes.
1 2 3 4
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal:
You will critically apply your knowledge to develop an argument in relation to a specific topic.
Product: Essay
Format:
You will be required to write an essay of 2,500 words in response to one of a selection of questions concerning issues raised by the course. The questions for the essay will be posted on Blackboard in week 1. The examination is to be submitted through SafeAssign.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
​Content: Relevant, detailed and critical. Addressing all major issues. Recognising conflicting theories and explanations.
1
2
Argument: Logically consistent and demonstrating critical analysis. Adequately supported through discussion and quality use of referenced evidence.
3 4
3
Originality: Arguments indicate originality and independence of thought.
1 3
4
Clarity and Expression: Clear quality of expression. Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling and referencing.
3
Generic Skills:
All - Assessment Task 3:Journal on Blackboard
Goal:
This task asks you to reflect and to apply your advanced knowledge to a selection
Product: Journal
Format:
You will be required to submit six responses to questions posed for this course.These responses will be discussed in tutorials.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Content:  Relevant and critical, recognizing conflicting theories and explanations.
1 3
2
Argument: Logically consistent and demonstrating critical analysis; adequately supported through discussion.
2 3
3
Originality: Arguments indicate originality and independence of thought.
4
4
Clarity and Expressions:  Clear quality of expression.  Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
1 4
Generic Skills:

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Richard Howitt 2001 Rethinking Resource Management n/a Routledge

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au