Each special topic is a unique course in Australian Indigenous Studies (AuIS) or in one of the other fields in which Indigenous Studies has been developed around the planet. Each topic varies, reflecting the interests, authority and expertise of those teaching the course. Some topics are taught intensively, others are taught seminar-long, on campus, or online. All topics centre the knowledge, perspectives and ways of knowing of Indigenous peoples' scholarship.
Topics offered may include, but are not limited to:
Ngurra-kurlu: First Peoples' philosophies and ways of knowing (2024)
Critical Indigenous perspectives on criminalisation
Living with Colonialism: First Peoples' Worlds and Colonial Intrusions
Indigenous perspectives on economic development
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- synthesise First Nations and other Indigenous people's knowledge or knowledges taught in this course;
- demonstrate insight into First Nations and other Indigenous people's perspectives taught in the course; and
- demonstrate insight into theoretical perspectives, methodologies from the discipline of Indigenous Studies that arise in this course, including those relating to standpoint.
Other Information
Please see the Class tab for Topics on offer and visit the Class Summary for detailed information on assessment when enrolling in the 12 unit course.
A quota will apply to admission to this course. Students must register an expression of interest to enrol via the following website: CASS Permission Code Request Form .
Students who have nominated the Australian Indigenous Studies Major (AUIS-MAJ) or Indigenous Science and Knowledges Major (ISCK-MAJ) in ISIS, and have completed the course requisites will be granted a permission code on application. Please visit this link for more information on nominating a major in ISIS.
Admission for all other student applicants will be assessed by the convenor on a case-by case basis. Selection is based on:
(i) relevant disciplinary and sub-disciplinary areas of study. Preference will be given to students completing (1) relevant areas of study within CASS, and (2) relevant areas of study from other colleges.
(ii) the quality of the EoI, demonstrating a willingness to explore and deepen understanding of First Peoples' knowledges and perspectives, ways of knowing, and experiences since colonisation in a reflective and respectful way. The intent is to select students who show potential to engage actively and reflectively in the course content, and are aware that material in this course may be uncomfortable or distressing.
Indicative Assessment
- Learning journal of regular reflections (15) [LO 2,3]
- Annotated Bibliography (15) [LO 1]
- Research report (2200 words - 6 unit course) (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- Reflective essay (1500 words - 6 unit course) (30) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
For the 6 unit offering, this course involves 130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact including lectures, tutorials and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading, viewing and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Readings and other course materials are set out in the course/topic wattle site.
Preliminary Reading
Readings and other course materials are set out in the course/topic wattle site.
Assumed Knowledge
Assumed knowledge of shared histories in Australia at a tertiary standard and Indigenous standpoint theory; and, assumed insight into and skills in positionality and reflexivity.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 to 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $720 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $930 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8465 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |