POAD9030 Indigenous Issues in Public Policy

2015

4.5

1 x 3-day intensive workshop per semester

POLI7059 has been successfully completed

Independent research skills and advanced critical thinking skills will be required.

Political Studies Honours; Public Policy Honours; Master of Public Administration; Graduate Diploma in Public Administration; Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

While no prior knowledge is required for this topic, students will be expected to work at an advanced level and so must have independent research and analytical skills. The topic will provide a brief background to contemporary issues in public policy relevant to Indigenous people. Beginning with the historical exclusion of Indigenous people from citizenship rights it will cover policy changes leading to the eventual extension of formal equality to Indigenous people. The constitutional and administrative context of current Indigenous policy formulation will be explored as well as the implications of international treaties on domestic policy making. Students will participate in setting an agenda of policy issues to be considered in depth in the seminars and will work on a personal project. Students will present summaries of their projects in the final sessions of the topic.

Students completing this topic should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, cultural and legal context of Indigenous policy issues
2. Demonstrate an awareness of relevant theoretical perspectives on Indigenous rights, self-determination and cultural difference
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the specific political and administrative processes relevant to the formulation ad implementation of Indigenous policy
4. Apply their knowledge to specific case studies in Indigenous policy, demonstrating a capacity for critical analysis and reflective insight
5. Use independent research skills and formal presentation skills.