About this course

Explore the global economic and political situations of indigenous peoples

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.

What topics will you cover?

  • Definitions of indigeneity, past and present
  • An introduction de-colonial and post-colonial theory and how these theories relate to indigenous peoples
  • Case studies of indigeneity in the 21st century
  • The legacy of European colonialism for indigenous peoples
  • Contemporary acts of indigenous resistance across the globe

What you'll achieve

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Understand the different situations in which indigenous peoples coexist with other, non-indigenous peoples in various states and societies
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of struggles which indigenous peoples are waging in the contemporary world
  • Collect, interpret and communicate information on indigenous issues to an audience

Who is the course for?

This course is particularly targeted at anyone interested in challenges currently facing indigenous peoples all around the world.

This can include those interested in studying anthropology, postcolonial studies and environmental management or environmental humanities.


Meet the instructors

Dr Hedda Askland

Dr Hedda Askland

Dr Hedda Askland is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research centres on questions of exile and displacement, place, home, identity and belonging

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Take the full semester 10 unit course

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