POLI3014 International Perspectives on Indigenous Politics

2018

4.5

1 x 100-minute seminar weekly

1 of POLI2020, AUST2006, AUST2612

POLI3055 has been successfully completed

Some background knowledge on Indigenous issues is required.

Associated majors: Political Studies Public Policy; International Relations

Bachelor of Public Administration

In this topic students will examine the international Indigenous movement: that is, the participation of Indigenous peoples in a range of activities intended to promote international recognition of Indigenous rights. Students will consider the significance of the UN as a focus for Indigenous lobbying and participation and assess the importance of international instruments such as treaties for the recognition of Indigenous rights. The topic will include analysis of the development of international Indigenous organisations such as the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Arctic council. It will use case studies, including some from Australia, to examine whether international activity is a successful strategy for Indigenous activists in achieving domestic policy objectives. Students will be required to engage with specialist literature and develop critical thinking skills to work across disciplinary boundaries of law, political studies, international relations and Indigenous studies.

This topic aims to:

• examine the participation of Indigenous peoples in international political activities and alliances;
• consider the purpose of this activity and to assess its effectiveness as a strategy for encouraging the recognition of Indigenous rights;
• examine theoretical concepts relevant to the international Indigenous movement including sovereignty, self-determination, restitution etc.;
• examine policy case studies from specific countires including Australia to investigate the impact of the international sphere on domestic political agendas;
• introduce students to specialised academic literature and theory relevant to Indigenous internationalism and to make the links with scholarly work in other disciplines such as law;
• develop advanced research and writing skills and develop critical thinking skills.

On successful completion of this topic students should be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge of key developments in the international Indigenous movement
• demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical issues relevant to the international Indigenous movement
• provide analysis of case studies indicative of the impact of Indigenous internationalism on domestic politics and policies
• work across disciplinary boundaries to develop a critical perspective
• demonstrate advanced research, writing and presentation skills