INDG9000 Indigenous Research Methodologies

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification.

Approval is required for enrolment in this topic. Students should apply via email.

This topic provides the opportunity for students to understand Indigenous research methodologies and to think critically and ethically about their practices when researching with Indigenous peoples and communities both in Australia and internationally. Through an Indigenous theoretical framework students are introduced to a broad range of protocols for Indigenous engagement and Indigenous ways of researching. Students will develop an understanding of the issues involved in ethically applying western research methodologies to Indigenous contexts and an understanding of the issues involved in the misrepresentation and appropriation of Indigenous knowledges.

Students will be encouraged to bring their own research projects and ideas into the discussion of research and Indigenous peoples. This will provide the basis for a critical examination of western research methodologies and their applicability to Indigenous contexts. Importantly, students will be introduced to the relationship between research, learning, positive community transformation and the importance of Indigenous wellbeing and safety in the research context.

This topic provides students with the opportunity to examine research theory and practice critically, engage in debate and self-reflection, and develop knowledge and understanding of:

• A variety of Indigenous research methodologies and theoretical frameworks such as: Indigenous Standpoint theory, decolonising methodologies and Indigenous Queer theory
• Ethical and socially just practices when researching with Indigenous peoples and communities both in Australia and internationally
• Protocols for Indigenous engagement in Australia and internationally
• Issues involved in ethically applying western research methodologies to Indigenous contexts and an understanding of the issues involved in the misrepresentation and appropriation of Indigenous knowledges
• The colonising history and context of research methodologies and practices and their impacts on Indigenous peoples
• Methods for fostering interdisciplinary and intercultural partnerships and for working collaboratively
• Contemporary Indigenous approaches to transformative research practice

1. Understand a variety of Indigenous research methodologies and theoretical frameworks
2. Value and identify ethical and socially just practices when researching with Indigenous peoples and communities both in Australia and internationally
3. Develop familiarity with protocols for Indigenous engagement in Australia and internationally
4. Understand the key issues involved in ethically applying western research methodologies to Indigenous contexts
5. Avoid the misrepresentation and appropriation of Indigenous knowledges in their research and teaching practices
6. Critically understand the colonising history and context of research methodologies and practices and their impacts on Indigenous peoples
7. Engage in methods interdisciplinary and intercultural research partnerships and working collaboratively
8. Develop research projects and methodologies that support contemporary Indigenous approaches to transformative research practice
9. Introduce students to the process of developing ethics applications for research
10. Better situate and understand their disciplinary and research practices through self-reflection and Indigenous research frameworks. Note: Assessment tasks are designed to provide links through the seminar, presentation and essay component