James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

IA3025 - Navigating Complex Knowledge Intersections

Subject Description

This subject examines the complex entanglements of Indigenous and Western systems of thought, knowledge, and standpoints engaged in scholarly efforts to understand Indigenous people's contemporary position and policy and practical efforts to bring about change in Indigenous Australians lives. Students will explore the evolution of a range of theories and explanatory discourses over time from Western and Indigenous standpoints and how these attempt to interpret the Indigenous position and shape the policy and public and political discourse arenas. A focus is placed on how theoretical frames and assumptions work to enable or constrain real change in the interests of Indigenous Australians. An equal emphasis is placed on conceptual and textual analysis and constructive discussion of complex intersections. This is a third year subject.

Learning Outcomes

• identify within a range of texts and oral discussions the presence of theoretical positions and their assumptions being applied in debates and arguments
• synthesise and critically analyse a range of theoretical positions and assumptions applied in scholarly and public debates for their limits and possibilities for supporting Indigenous interests
• reflect on the limits of their own knowledge, understanding and standpoints
• apply productive dispositions and communication skills required to discuss and navigate complex knowledge intersections in professional and other everyday spaces, appropriate to Level 3 study

Subject Assessment

• Participation > Class participation - (24%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 2 - (46%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities