Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Politic Sc & Internat Studies
This course examines the relationship between Indigenous and mainstream conceptions of political community, sovereignty, power, policy, rights, diplomacy and conflict to question, reflect, and expand upon dominant understandings of (international) politics. These themes are examined in the context of the development of transnational Indigenous activism in the late 20th Century and the challenges of ongoing conflicts between Indigenous peoples and settlers in settler-colonial societies. The course will increase your understanding of Indigenous peoples, advance creative thinking about alternative ways of constituting and maintaining political order, and enhance capacities for working across cultural difference.
Welcome to POLS7190!
First Nations peoples have constituted and practised political orders long before the emergence of civilisations that are usually taken as the starting points for prevailing approaches to and reflections about politics. And although colonialism has inflicted incredible damage upon Indigenous societies, Indigenous peoples have in recent decades re-gathered and remobilised in local, national and international fora, including through United Nations processes connected with the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Despite these developments, a range of political and policy challenges persist, from issues of contested sovereignty and Indigenous-Settler relations to challenges of policy development and service delivery. Scholarship on these and related topics is changing, with Indigenous politics a burgeoning and challenging topic in political science and related disciplines.
In this course, taught in an interactive seminar mode, you will the opportunity to examine the issues posed by Indigenous politics. The course will challenge and enlarge upon conventional conceptions of politics and introduce you to creative ways of thinking about key political issues and challenges.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Morgan Brigg
Tutor
Dr Lindy Andren
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course is taught via weekly 2-hour seminars. There will be 12 seminars (because the 6th October is a public holiday), commencing in Week 1.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
To develop an understanding of Indigenous conceptions of politics in comparison with predominant Western approaches.
To reflect critically upon how dominant approaches to politics and policy - as well as their implementation - impact upon Indigenous peoples.
To advance creativeﾠthinking about alternative and innovative political relations and policy approaches between Indigenous peoples and states.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify Indigenous and predominant western approaches to politics at play in political relations, in policy frameworks and strategies, and in contested or conflictual political debates.
LO2.
Understand key historical dynamics and relations between Indigenous peoples and states/mainstream populations.
LO3.
Identify possible pathways and practices for improving political relations and policy-making between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
In-Class Learning Reflection (Participation)
|
30% (accrued from week 3 to 13) |
11/08/2025 - 27/10/2025 |
| Presentation, Reflection |
Video Learning Reflection (2 X 7mins)
|
20% (10% for each submission) |
7/08/2025 - 23/10/2025
Your videos are due at 13:00 on Thursday in weeks 3 and 12. Video 1: Thursday 14th August, 13:00 Video 2: Thursday 23th October, 13:00 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Analysis & Commentary (1600 word DRAFT + 250 words self-mark and reflection)
|
10% |
24/09/2025 - 15/10/2025
Component A, the 1600 word Analysis & Commentary DRAFT (5 marks available) is due on 24/09/2025 at 13:00. Component B, the Self-Mark and Reflection (5 marks available) is due on 15/10/2025 at 13:00. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Analysis & Commentary FINAL (1600 words)
|
40% |
10/11/2025 1:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-Class Learning Reflection (Participation)
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% (accrued from week 3 to 13)
- Due date
11/08/2025 - 27/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Background
Our best learning often takes place when we reflect upon how our existing knowledge is disrupted or extended, consider the challenges of knowing amidst contested political relations, and are open with ourselves and others about the processes that accompany our learning.
This assessment item complements the video learning reflection assessment item.
Task
Your participation in the seminars is an essential part of this course as it is directly linked with the course Learning Outcomes (see Section 5 of this document). Marks will be accrued in seminars from week 3 to week 13 - you can build your contributions over the semester per the criteria spelt out in the criteria sheet. You should aim to participate in seminar discussions by engaging with a) at least one of the required readings, b) the class discussion (comments in interpretations of your colleagues and course staff) and c) one of the course learning objectives (see Section 5 in this document).
Please note that this assessment item is not asking you to demonstrate your knowledge, but to reflect upon how you are coming to know. Appropriate self-analysis and critique are crucial for this task. Consider, for instance, that our relationship with our knowing can be emotional. Learning may be challenging, confronting, affirming, disarming, surprising, frustrating. You should aim to openly discuss these and other experiences in engaging with the topic (including readings and pre-recorded videos) and link that with your experience of learning.
If a medical or other circumstance leads to challenges for you completing this assessment item, please contact the course coordinator directly.
Please Note:
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 attempt to use AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Marks are accrued from week 3 to week 13. Please consult the criteria sheet for this item (uploaded in Blackboard) for the hurdle requirements. You must receive a pass in the in-class learning reflection assessment item to pass this course. Students who do not receive a pass for the In-Class Learning Reflection can only receive an overall grade of 3 or less for the course. Students who receive an overall score of 3 in the Course are eligible to apply for a supplementary assessment (my.uq Supplementary Assessment).Submission guidelines
During class you will be asked to participate by making oral contributions to discussions and written contributions into a collective Google doc. Your contributions will be noted and evaluated in-class by teaching staff.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
There is no provision for extension or deferral for this item as it must be completed in class.
Late submission
There is no provision for late submission for this item as it must be completed in class.
Video Learning Reflection (2 X 7mins)
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% (10% for each submission)
- Due date
7/08/2025 - 23/10/2025
Your videos are due at 13:00 on Thursday in weeks 3 and 12.
Video 1: Thursday 14th August, 13:00
Video 2: Thursday 23th October, 13:00
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Background
Our best learning often takes place when we reflect upon how our existing knowledge is disrupted or extended, consider the challenges of knowing amidst contested political relations, and are open with ourselves and others about the processes that accompany our learning.
This assessment item complements the in-class learning reflection assessment item.
Task
Prepare and submit two X 7 minute ‘video learning reflections’, one at each end of the semester. The videos are due in week 3 and week 13.
Your reflection should aim to link your experience of learning with a) one of the required readings for the chosen week you are reflecting upon, b) the class discussion for the week in which you are submitting and c) one of the course learning objectives (see Section 5 in this document). Please note that this assessment item is not asking you to demonstrate your knowledge, but to reflect upon how you are coming to know.
Appropriate self-analysis and critique are crucial for this task. Consider, for instance, that our relationship with our knowing can be emotional. Learning may be challenging, confronting, affirming, disarming, surprising, frustrating. You should aim to openly discuss these and other experiences in engaging with the topic (including readings and pre-recorded videos) and link that with your experience of learning.
You are not required to refer to readings beyond those for a weekly topic, but if you do refer to additional sources, you should give sufficient details for your viewer to trace the source. E.g., for a journal article, author name, year, journal name (adding a page number if a direct quote).
Please 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.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Guidance
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
Other guidance:
- Prepare notes (minimally) or a script (maximally) before you deliver your presentation to camera. It is common for people to believe that they can simply ‘talk’ without having a plan or a script, but this rarely works well.
- Do not aim for perfection. It can be tempting to try re-recording to eliminate errors, but it is natural that your video recording has some minor errors in it (you do not need to produce a newsreader or studio quality video).
- Observe the video length limit (10% under or over is fine).
- Begin your video by stating: "My name is [XX] and this is my [insert first, second, etc,] video reflection."
- See the criteria sheet for further information.
Submission guidelines
Submission:
Prepare your recording through the EchoVideo video server by following these instructions: Submit a video assignment with EchoVideo (Original) - eLearning - University of Queensland
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.
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.
Analysis & Commentary (1600 word DRAFT + 250 words self-mark and reflection)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
24/09/2025 - 15/10/2025
Component A, the 1600 word Analysis & Commentary DRAFT (5 marks available) is due on 24/09/2025 at 13:00.
Component B, the Self-Mark and Reflection (5 marks available) is due on 15/10/2025 at 13:00.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Component A: Analysis and commentary DRAFT
Background
Researchers and advocates use written texts to inform and persuade decision-makers and policy-makers, sometimes by advocating for their or their constituents' or point of view. The targeted policy- and decision-makers are often - but not always - politicians and public servants. These texts are variously called discussion papers, options papers, policy briefs, issue briefs and other terms too. There are no exact rules about how these types of texts are constructed, but they usually have key goals of raising a challenging or complex issue, condensing the issue into a brief and accessible format, and advocating for a reasoned or evidence-based response in relation to the issue.
Task
You are to conceptualise, prepare and submit a DRAFT Issue Analysis and Commentary paper. Possible topics will be circulated in class, and you will have an option to develop your own topic. This is a partially ‘un-graded’ assessment item – further details below. Your submission should aim be balanced and informed by argumentation and evidence (including existing scholarship) yet not at the expense of avoiding challenging or contentious matters. This is a text-based assessment; your submission should contain no images.
Remember to carefully consult the Marking Criteria for the FINAL paper while preparing your paper. Submit your paper in Word format (not PDF) via Turnitin. Remember to check that your paper has been submitted correctly.
Please 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.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Grading Procedure
This DRAFT paper is partially 'ungraded'. That is, you are eligible for 5 'submission' marks per the criteria sheet.
You will be provided with video feedback (but no mark based on the content of the paper). You are then required to allocate your self a mark and reflect on your draft (based on the video feedback and the criteria sheet for the FINAL paper task). You will then re-write, if you choose, and re-submit your paper for the Paper FINAL. Please note that the FINAL paper will be marked with criteria comments only, so without detailed feedback.
Component B: Self-mark and reflection
Background
Self-reflection is a powerful basis for learning and improving performance.
Task
Reflect upon your Analysis & Commentary DRAFT alongside the video feedback and criteria sheet for the final submission. Allocate yourself a mark according to criteria sheet alongside reflection about your DRAFT submission and how you may be able to improve for the FINAL submission. Indicative themes for reflection include (but are not limited to) self-analysis of your performance in relation to the criteria, identification of your strengths and weakness both in general and in the DRAFT submission, reflection on the sources of strengths and weaknesses, thoughts about how you can improve for the FINAL submission.
Please 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.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Grading Procedure
You are eligible for 5 'submission' marks per the criteria sheet.
Submission guidelines
Submission:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.
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.
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.
Analysis & Commentary FINAL (1600 words)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
10/11/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Please Note
This task is the final version of the earlier DRAFT paper. The task is reproduced below in slightly modified form. The extent of changes you make to your DRAFT is up to you - e.g., you may submit a substantially revised paper or exactly the same paper. However, your FINAL papers should remain focused on the same topic as the DRAFT.
Background
Researchers and advocates of various sorts use written texts to inform and persuade decision-makers and policy-makers, sometimes by advocating for their or their constituents' or point of view. The targeted policy- and decision-makers are often - but not always - politicians and public servants. These texts are variously called discussion papers, options papers, policy briefs, issue briefs and other terms too. There are no exact rules about how these types of texts are constructed, but they usually have key goals of raising a challenging or complex issue, condensing the issue into a brief and accessible format, and advocating for a reasoned or evidence-based response in relation to the issue.
This assessment item is the third and final of a 3-part series.
Task
You are to submit the FINAL version of the “Issue Analysis and Commentary paper” DRAFT paper that you submitted earlier. Your submission should aim be balanced and informed by argumentation and evidence (including existing scholarship) yet not at the expense of avoiding challenging or contentious matters. This is a text-based assessment; your submission should contain no images.
Remember to carefully consult the Marking Criteria for the FINAL paper while preparing your paper. Submit your paper in Word format (not PDF) via Turnitin. Remember to obtain a submission receipt via Turnitin.
You are eligible for 40 marks per the criteria sheet. This item will be marked with criteria comments only, so without detailed feedback. (You will have received feedback on the DRAFT submission.)
Please 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.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.
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.
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.
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. Course grade description: Assessment items not completed, or largely illegible and with no connection to course content, no evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Assessment items either partially completed, or only partly legible, with very only passing connection to course content, very little evidence of reading. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A clear effort made to engage with course content including through reading, but with problems of legibility and only limited understanding of key issues and themes. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A reasonable, if not completely coherent understanding of course content is demonstrated, along with capacity to communicate about key issues and themes. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A coherent understanding of key themes and issues is demonstrated, along with a capacity to communicate clearly about key issues and themes. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A coherent and at times sophisticated understanding of key themes and issues is demonstrated, along with a capacity to communicate clearly and fluently about key issues and themes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A sophisticated understanding of key themes and issues is demonstrated, including with capacity for original thought, along with a capacity to communicate adroitly about key issues and themes. |
Additional course grading information
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
Marking Criteria/Rubric
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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.
Essay Writing Assistance
The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.
There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.
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.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Seminar |
Week 1 - Position, Place, Relation Introduction to the course and each other. Individual positioning in relation to land, ways of knowing, political relations, study area, and particular topics/interests. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 2 - First Encounters, Identities, Definitions Patterning of early encounters, conceptualisations of identity, and definitions of Indigenous people/s. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 3 - Colonisation, Occupation, Decolonisation Bases for colonisation, patterns of rule, movements for decolonisation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 4 - Bureaucracy, Culture, Racialisation Policy development and operation in relation to Indigenous peoples. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 5 - Treaties, Agreements, Negotiations Challenges and possibilities of negotiations and treaties. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 6 - Class documentary movie and dialogue Viewing of Dhakiyarr Vs the King, and dialogue about experience of learning in the class to this point. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 7 - Law, Justice, Rights Divergent and overlapping conceptions of justice and law, and the place of law in pursuit of justice and rights Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 8 - Conflict, Diplomacy, Peace Modes of conflict management and diplomacy, intercultural challenges and opportunities Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 9 - Land, Resources, Place Securing existence, divergent approaches to land and resources Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Seminar |
Week 10 - NO SEMINAR DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 11 - State, Sovereignty, Nation Foundations and conceptualisations of political authority and ordering. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 12 - Cosmology, Knowing, Being Positioning the human, foundations of existence and ways of knowing Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Seminar |
Week 13 - Conclusion/Dialogue Affirming or unsettling the state? Exploration of questions raised by the course, revisiting individual positioning in relation to personal/professional interests. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.