Professor Morgan Brigg
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2026 (27/07/2026 - 21/11/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Politic Sc & Internat Studies
This course introduces students to relations between dominant political systems and Indigenous peoples. Students will be introduced to entanglements between dominant and Indigenous approaches to political order, law, policy, rights, knowledge, governance, community, conflict and diplomacy. The course emphasises interactive learning and creative analysis to introduce understandings and skills to work across difference.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Nil
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Professor Morgan Brigg
Dr Lindy Andren
Mr Lyndon Murphy
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
To cultivate introductory knowledge of and engagement with Indigenous Australian peoples, values and knowledges through understandings of politics and political ordering
To advance courageous and creative thinking about political relations and policy approaches involving Indigenous peoples in historical and contemporary contexts
To develop critical self-reflection on the implications of prevailing approaches to politics and policy and their implementation in Australia and globally
To advance understanding of and respect for diverse Indigenous knowledges and practices of political ordering and action in the context of the ongoing shared experience of colonisation
To develop a strengths-based Indigenous-informed approach to considering issues of politics and policy through engaging with Indigenous scholarship and knowledge-holders
To develop effective and ethical analytical skills for working collaboratively with diverse peoples, values, and knowledges
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and appreciate the foundations of Indigenous and prevailing conceptions of politics and political ordering.
LO2.
Apply critical thinking to dominant political relations and policy approaches in historical and contemporary contexts, and in Indigenous responses.
LO3.
Demonstrate critical self-reflection about the political relations of contemporary Australia.
LO4.
Appreciate the value of diverse approaches to political ordering and action in the creation of a more just and equitable society.
LO5.
Apply a strengths-based Indigenous-informed analyses of politics, policy and political action.
LO6.
Demonstrate an understanding of effective and ethical communication skills for working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples, values, and knowledges.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Textual Analysis (in-class submission)
|
40% |
24/08/2026 - 23/10/2026 |
| Reflection | Reflective Video (7 mins) | 10% |
11/09/2026 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Knowledge Analysis (1200 words) | 20% |
30/10/2026 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Examination (90 mins)
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/11/2026 - 21/11/2026 |
Assessment details
Textual Analysis (in-class submission)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
24/08/2026 - 23/10/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
Background: To understand and analyse Indigenous issues we regularly engage with 'texts'. These could be images, writing, or videos. In POLS1801 we will provide you with an analytical framework to structure your engagement with texts. In some weeks we will practice using the framework so that you are familiar with it.
Task: In Weeks 5, 6, 9 and 12 you be assessed on your use of the framework. You will be given a new text in class and asked to analyse it individually using the framework. Your responses will be handwritten on paper provided and collected by course staff. You will have 20 minutes to complete this task.
Guidance: Remember that the in-class exercises (starting from Week 2) will provide you with an opportunity to practice using the analytical framework. Make good use of these to prepare for the in-class submissions.
Note: Your final mark for this item will be based upon your best 2 results.
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.
Submission guidelines
This item will be completed and handed in during class. You should aim to complete all 4 submissions, but because the final mark for this item will be based upon your best 2 results it is not essential that you complete all 4 submissions. (We understand that illness or other factors mean that you may not be able to attend every class.)
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The arrangements for the item allow flexibility that should accommodate most circumstances. A substitute for this item is therefore only available in exceptional circumstances. If you cannot make at least 2 in-class submissions for this item then please contact course staff.
Reflective Video (7 mins)
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
11/09/2026 1:00 pm
Task description
Background: Reflection is an important part of critical thinking and learning, allowing us to pause and consider what we think and how we know. It reminds us to be aware of who we are and what we bring with us to our study, our work, and our relating with one another. This is particularly important in contexts of difference, where we cannot rely on everyone having shared approaches.
Task: Consider the following question given your learning so far in POLS1801: How do I relate with place in how I know? You might consider where you come from physically, culturally, socially, experientially, where you are now, and how you have been taught to know. Draw on the course readings, class discussion and note one or more of the course learning objectives to support your reflection.
Guidance: Use Echo360 via Blackboard to record and upload your video (this is required by the university). Read and think carefuly about the task requirements. Prepare a script or notes to keep you on track and on time. Make sure you are in a well-lit and quiet environment so you can focus, and the resulting video has clear audio and visuals. Start with “My name is...”. Give a brief overview of what you will talk about. Talk about it. Give a brief summary of your main points.
Note: Video may be an unfamiliar assessment format, but please try to relax into it. You are being assessed for your response to the question and reflective engagement with course content and not for video production skills.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance through the AI Planner template, submitted with the video.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit via EchoVideo. Prepare your recording through the EchoVideo video server by following these instructions: https://elearning.uq.edu.au/student-guides-ultra/video-assessment-ultra/submit-video-assignment-echovideo-ultra-student
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
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.
Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.
Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.
Knowledge Analysis (1200 words)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/10/2026 1:00 pm
Task description
Background: Building on your earlier reflections about how you can know can cement, extend, or alter your learning pathway.
Task: Review your reflective video, the course materials, and think about your participation in POLS1801. Consider how your knowledge has been extended/challenged/affirmed because of your participation. Identify an aspect of the course that has been significant (this could be an experience, a reading, a discussion, an assessment task – any aspect of the course). Discuss how it has been significant for your learning. Analyse why you think this aspect of the course was significant for your learning (e.g., if it challenged you, why do you think it did? If it extended your knowledge, how did it do so and how has this changed your understanding? If it affirmed your knowledge, why do you think it did?). This analysis should reflect on the ethics of knowledge (including as considered in week 6) in the context of Indigenous peoples and issues.
Note:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance through the AI Planner, included in your submission after the title page.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via the Turnitin link in the relevant folder in Blackboard.
In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.
If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
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.
Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.
Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.
Examination (90 mins)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/11/2026 - 21/11/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
Background: Exams provide an opportunity for you to review and demonstrate the knowledge acquired in the course.
Task: You will be asked to answer a series of questions in written form in a centrally administered examination.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be awarded on the following basis:
1.ﾠFailﾠ 1 - 19%
2. Failﾠ 20 - 44%
3. Failﾠ 45 - 49%
4. Passﾠ 50 - 64%
5. Creditﾠ 65 - 74%
6. Distinctionﾠ 75 - 84%
7. High Distinctionﾠ 85 - 100%
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Word Length Penalty
Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. For example, if your essay is 1,500 words, you may write up to 1,650 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade. Unless specified, penalties only apply to exceeding the word length, not for failure to write a sufficient amount.
Students should note:
• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;
• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.
Learning resources
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.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Learning resources
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.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Essay Guide
The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.
The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments.
Assessment Workshops
Each semester, the School of Political Science and International Studies schedules a program of Assessment Workshops designed to provide students with support on their various assessment tasks. Topics covered might include ‘How to develop an argument’ and ‘How to prepare for an oral assessment.’
There is no need to make an appointment. Just bring along your current assessment tasks and workshop your ideas directly with academic staff.
The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.
Student Services
Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.
Library Resources
UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.
The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.
There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.
Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (27 Jul - 02 Aug) |
Workshop |
Introduction and Orientation: Toward emplaced inquiry Introduces you to the course, including through an experiential 'datawalk' and a unique approach to negotiated learning. |
Week 2 (03 Aug - 09 Aug) |
Workshop |
Indigenous Socio-Political Orders Helps you to understand what a 'socio-political order' is, Indigenous ways of organising, and how they connect with your individual values. |
Week 3 (10 Aug - 16 Aug) |
Workshop |
Lineages of Thought: Informing relations with Indigenous peoples Considers the ideas that came to the Australian continent and which inform how non-Indigenous people tend to see and know Indigenous peoples. Our first engagement with original source materials will occur this week. |
Week 4 (17 Aug - 23 Aug) |
Workshop |
Indigenous Response: From frontier to contemporary relations Provides an overview of Indigenous activism and other responses to European colonisation. Our second engagement with original source materials will occur this week. |
Week 5 (24 Aug - 30 Aug) |
Workshop |
Entangled histories: Politics, family community Examines the interweaving of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through family and political history. |
Week 6 (31 Aug - 06 Sep) |
Workshop |
The Ethics of Knowing and Engaging Expands your understanding of ethical questions related to knowledge (who has knowledge? how do we get it?). Our third engagement with original source materials will occur this week. |
Week 7 (07 Sep - 13 Sep) |
Workshop |
Relations Across Difference: Competing and conversing systems Considers how Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples are entangled, including by examining how different approaches to land become entwined in policy and processes. Includes an experiential 'datawalk' to support thinking about these issues. |
Week 8 (14 Sep - 20 Sep) |
Workshop |
Government Policy: Conditioning rights and expression Considers how the activities of governments both limit and stimulate Indigenous peoples response to manage a variety of social and political challenges. |
Week 9 (21 Sep - 27 Sep) |
Workshop |
Dominant Policy Frames: From saying “Yes” to saying “Sorry” to saying “No” Consideration of the main ways in which the Australian government and polity have responded to Indigenous peoples. Our fourth engagement with original source materials will occur this week. |
Mid-sem break (28 Sep - 04 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester Break No workshop this week |
Week 10 (05 Oct - 11 Oct) |
Workshop |
Negotiating Community Politics and Policy Explores Indigenous ways of negotiating social and political challenges within the community, including via Indigenous businesses, services and organisations. |
Week 11 (12 Oct - 18 Oct) |
Workshop |
Global engagements: Indigenous rights and the international system Considers how Indigenous peoples have engaged with global political processes, particularly through the United Nations. |
Week 12 (19 Oct - 25 Oct) |
Workshop |
Indigenous Conflict, Security, and Diplomacy Introduces Indigenous approaches to conflict, including ways of providing security and engaging in inter-polity relations that have recently begun to be taken up by Australian and other governments. Our fifth engagement with original source materials will occur this week. |
Week 13 (26 Oct - 01 Nov) |
Workshop |
Conclusion and Reflection: What is your relation? Draws together key learnings in the course including by reflecting on our own learning journey. We will also share a final 'datawalk' together this week. |
Policies and procedures
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.