Year
2016
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-week field trip per semester
Prerequisites
1 Admission into GCSM-Graduate Certificate in Screen and Media Production
1a Admission into GDPSM-Graduate Diploma in Screen and Media Production
1b Admission into MSM-Master of Screen and Media Production
1c Admission into GCCHM-Graduate Certificate in Cultural Heritage Management
1d Admission into GDPCHM-Graduate Diploma in Cultural Heritage Management
1e Admission into MCHM-Master of Cultural Heritage Management
1f Admission into GCARCH-Graduate Certificate in Archaeology
1g Admission into GDPARCH-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology
1h Admission into MARCH-Master of Archaeology
1i Admission into GDPAHM-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology and Heritage Management
1j Admission into MAHM-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management
1k Admission into MAHMA-Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management [1.5 years]
1l Admission into MSMA-Master of Screen and Media Production [1 year]
1m Admission into MSMI-Master of Screen and Media Production [1.5 years]
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h or 1i or 1j or 1k or 1l or 1m))
Other requirements
Topic Coordinator approval required for enrolment in this topic
Enrolment not permitted
1 of ARCH3307, ARCH3312, ARCH8502 has been successfully completed
Topic description
This field school provides a unique opportunity for students to undertake community archaeology in Australia. Students will have the chance to learn practical archaeological skills while at the same time developing other practical and personal skills necessary to conduct archaeological research with Aboriginal communities. In particular, students will focus on the recording of rock art in its wider cultural and archaeological context. The field school will involve some seminars, but will mostly be directed towards in-depth practical recording skills necessary for rock art research in an archaeological framework.

Fees will be charged to cover such things as transport, accommodation and food depending on the location of the field school. Students should consult the topic coordinator before enrolling.
Educational aims
This topic aims to:

  • make students aware of the range of skills necessary to accurately and appropriately record rock art in Australia

  • make students aware of the unique theoretical and political issues surrounding rock art research

  • help students develop the advanced practical and personal skills necessary to conduct field research with Aboriginal people in Australia

  • make students aware of the complexity of Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal relationships with rock art

  • teach students how to undertake ethical and culturally appropriate fieldwork in Aboriginal communities

  • give students an awareness of appropriate ways to disseminate their research findings for remote Aboriginal communities

  • create a space for students to learn about Aboriginal culture from Aboriginal people
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic students will be able to:

  • undertake ethical archaeological research with Aboriginal communities in Australia

  • undertake advanced rock art recording

  • demonstrate an understanding of the range of rock art recording techniques

  • demonstrate an understanding of the key theoretical and political debates surrounding rock art in Australia

  • demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of Aboriginal cultures and the role of rock art in these cultural systems

  • return research findings to Aboriginal communities in culturally-appropriate formats