Course coordinator
Please email me to arrange a consultation time. I am generally available in the afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to discuss the course.ᅠ
This course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of applied anthropology in Australia and comparative international contexts like New Zealand, Canada, and the United States of America.
Seminars and workshops will particularly focus on skills for working with Indigenous people and territories, particularly in the areas of native title research, cultural heritage management, and development. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a fieldtrip to an Aboriginal cultural landscape destination to learn about applied anthropology and Indigenous territories in a real-world setting outside the University.
The course focuses on applied anthropology with Indigenous people around the world. We will also address other settings and contexts where applied anthropologists work in design, business and development. Students in this course will learn anthropological theory relevant to applied research as well as analytical and methodological skills required to work effectively with Indigenous people. This includes an exciting opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in an anthropological field setting.
This course has an introductory module leading to more advanced training in applied anthropology, which makes it suitable for those with a background in anthropology as well as students with backgrounds in archaeology, architecture, development studies, geography, political science, law, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and other disciplines. Course modules provide intensive training in ethnographic interviewing and fieldwork skills, as well as familiarising students with the commercial aspects of applied anthropological work.
The topics for each week are outlined in this course instance. This course incorporates forms of Work Integrated Learning and Authentic Assessment through knowledge and skill development during the workshops and fieldwork.
An interest in anthropology and Indigenous studies
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANTH2010 is recommended but not compulsory
ANTH7260
Please email me to arrange a consultation time. I am generally available in the afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to discuss the course.ᅠ
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
The aims of this course are that students gain:
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of anthropological theory as relevant to the study of Indigenous history and culture
LO2.
Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the theory and practice of anthropology in Australia and comparative contexts
LO3.
Practice applied anthropological methods of participant observation, interviewing, and cultural mapping
LO4.
Express an informed opinion on ethical issues relating to applied anthropological research.
LO5.
Undertake successful academic research in the library, in archival collections and with electronic resources.
LO6.
Demonstrate competence in methodologies pertinent to research undertaken with Indigenous peoples
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Reflection | Reflection on positionality | 10% |
Presented in class in weeks 5, 6, and 7. You must present your positionality in class. The date will be assigned at the beginning of the semester. |
Essay/ Critique | 1500 word essay | 40% |
16/05/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Documenting Indigenous values after native title | 50% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Presented in class in weeks 5, 6, and 7. You must present your positionality in class. The date will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.
This assessment requires you to present a short reflection in class about your own positionality in relation to your work goals. The reflection should be a maximum of 5 minutes long and must cover the following points:
Given the focus of this course, you are encouraged to engage with your positionality particularly in relation to 'Indigenous territories'. Please note, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. You will instead be marked on your ability to critically reflect on your positionality in relation to the experience of working as an anthropologist. You do not have to be comprehensive about your positionality, but should focus on one or two aspects of it. To prepare for this assessment, you should reflect on the different contexts in which you may work in the future, and the ways in which your positionality may have benefits and/or challenges in different contexts. Different aspects of your positionality may well come to shape your work in different ways, particularly your work with Indigenous peoples, and this assessment is asking you to start to think about how you will manage this, and to share your thoughts with the class.
Please note: according to University policy, student presentations must be recorded and stored in the event that students ask for a re-mark. In keeping with this policy, presentations will be audio recorded and stored in a secured folder on the University server. Presentations will be deleted from this folder after 1 year.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Presented in class.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days, which is the maximum extension length for this assessment item.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
16/05/2025 2:00 pm
The second assessment asks you to expand your reading and research into native title by undertaking an analysis of one native title case. You can choose either a successful one (e.g. Rainbow on behalf of the Kurtjar People v State of Queensland (No 2) [2021] FCA 1251) or one unsuccessful native title claim (e.g. Malone v State of Queensland (The Clermont-Belyando Area Native Title Claim) (No 5) [2021] FCA 1639; Blucher on behalf of the Gaangalu Nation People v State of Queensland (No 3) [2023] FCA 600).
Your essay should:
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
The seminar results paper will be a write up of the results of the applied anthropology project, drawing on skills acquired during the seminars and presented in the form of a report (incorporating the results of interviews and participant observation and presenting findings and preliminary recommendations). A 'work brief' will be provided prior to the practical exercise/possible fieldtrip to guide this assessment. Maximum 1000 words (excluding references and supporting information which are restricted to an additional 1000 words).
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use of AI: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
This course includes a possible fieldtrip to investigate Indigenous cultural landscapes in south-east Queensland. The fieldtrip is optional but strongly recommended. It is scheduled for Saturday May 17, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Further details will be provided closer to the date when the fieldtrip is confirmed (subject to the availability of Indigenous cultural consultants and any unforeseen circumstances). NB the field trip will incur aᅠcost of $50 per person to cover transport.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Introduction: Applied and Engaged Anthropology What is applied anthropology? How do anthropologists work to make a difference in the world? In this introductory seminar we will look at some of the settings and contexts in which anthropologists work outside universities, including with Indigenous people, as well as in design, business, and development projects around the world. To prepare for this seminar, please watch the YouTube clip about Genevieve Bell, read the extract from Gillian Tett's book, Tett & Friedman's book and the overview provided by Paul Sillitoe. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Postponed due to Cyclone **Due to the University-wide closures in response to Cyclone Alfred, week 2 learning activity has been postponed. |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
History and Theory of Applied Anthropology This seminar looks at the history of applied anthropology, examining the shifting ways in which anthropologists have worked in Australia and internationally. This seminar also addresses theory relevant to applied research, as well as some of the politics and ethics of applied anthropology, including the concept of 'positionality' which we will engage with in our presentations. Make sure you attend this seminar as we will be using this time to schedule the date of the presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Applied Anthropology with Indigenous Peoples This seminar addressing some of the contexts in which anthropologists work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and Indigenous peoples internationally, on matters relating to colonialism, land rights and native title, cultural heritage protection, intra-Indigenous disputes, mining agreements, economic development, and so on. In this seminar, we will also expand our thinking about positionality by considering the perspectives of several Indigenous scholars. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Ethics in Applied Research and Presentations Applied research involves investigating real-life situations and making decisions which will affect the lives of others, including Indigenous peoples. It often involves liaising with national governments and the United Nations, non-government organisations (like Oxfam), development agencies (like the World Bank), as well as businesses like mining companies. Each of our engagements as applied anthropologists involve complex ethical considerations. To guide our work, we draw on ethics documents such as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics, Australian Anthropological Society (AAS) Code of Ethics and the UN Declaration On the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In this workshop, we will examine some of the concepts in these documents, such as the concept of 'free, prior and informed consent'. We will also workshop how to apply ethics codes such as the AIATSIS Code to a range of real-life work scenarios. This week, we will also begin our presentations, which will continue until the mid-semester break. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Seminar |
Australian Native Title (1) and Presentations This week provides an introduction to Australian native title anthropology, focusing on the history of land rights, native title, and cultural heritage legislation and jurisprudence in Australia and comparative international contexts like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. This week we will also continue our presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
Australian Native Title (2) and Presentations This week's seminar describes the role of applied anthropologists in the Australian native title system. We will discuss different aspects of native title with a particular focus on anthropologists' role in (1) establishing the society to which Aboriginal people belonged at sovereignty; (2) understanding traditional law and custom; (3) proving continuity of connection under traditional law and custom. This is the third week of presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Seminar |
No class - public holiday No classes this week |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Seminar |
Anthropology after Native Title and Presentations This week's class will consider critiques of the native title system and hear from senior Indigenous speakers about aftermath of claims, including the challenges involved in managing native title rights and the work that anthropologists do with Indigenous corporations in the aftermath of native title. We will also conclude our presentations this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Seminar |
Methods 1: Ethnography The seminar focuses on the practical skills needed to elicit ethnographic data for applied purposes. We will specifically learn: * Preparation and planning for fieldwork (site visits, site surveys and off-site interviews); * How to find people and assess whether you are talking to the right person (involving considerations of who speaks for an area, kinship relations, ritual specialists, gender relations); * How to know what to ask about when you find someone (what kind of information do you need?); * How to record information (note taking, audio recordings, video, GPS, topographic maps); and, * How to write up information as fieldnotes (transcription techniques, addressing and maintaining your fieldnotes, mapping). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Seminar |
Introduction to the workshop module This week's seminar will introduce the practical module of the course, explain the brief for the applied anthropology design project (the 'Documenting Indigenous values after native title' final assessment), and provide a discussion of some of the practical skills that applied anthropologists use, including the skills you will need for your project (and final assessment). This will be followed by methods seminars focused on developing practical skills for anthropological work, beginning with a focus on working in response to a brief. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Seminar |
Methods 2: The Art of Listening This seminar focuses on applied skills for interviewing. We will specifically learn: * Planning for interviews and building discussion guides * Avoiding leading questions * Listening, note-taking, and avoiding bias * Managing data Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Seminar |
Methods 3: The Art of Looking This seminar focuses on participant observation. We will specifically learn: * What to look for? What is the point of participant observation? * How to make fieldnotes * How to categorise and manage field data Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Fieldwork |
Fieldtrip: Documenting Indigenous values after native title This week involves an ethnographic interviewing/fieldwork exercise focused on identifying Indigenous values in the context of development activities. Please keep 17 May free as this exercise is tied to the final assessment. Please meet on Chancellors Place at 8 a.m. We should be back at UQ around 4 p.m. Participation is strongly recommended as a highlight of the course but it is not compulsory to attend and if you are unable to attend, an alternative assessment will be available. NB this exercise will incur a cost of approximately $50 per person to cover transport to and from the fieldwork site. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Seminar |
Fieldtrip debrief and final assessment seminar This week provides an opportunity to debrief about the field trip and start to think about how to turn your data into a report. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Seminar |
Challenges and Opportunities This concluding seminar summarises lessons from the course and includes discussion of the marketplace for applied work in Australia and some professional and commercial considerations involved in building a successful career outside the University. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.