This course focuses on theoretical and practical issues relating to indigenous collections and exhibitions, drawing its interdisciplinary approach and methodology from the fields of anthropology and cultural studies as well as museum studies. This allows students to develop a critical understanding of the creation, function, histories, politics and contemporary meanings of objects; the representation of cultures in museum displays and other public venues; shifting relations between source communities and museum; problems of landscape, place, and space; art and aesthetics; visual anthropology; and issues of representation, including photographic representation.

The specific emphasis is on collections and exhibitions relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that are held or displayed in Australia or overseas, but specific attention is also given to other ethnographic and historical collections and displays. Issues examined during the course include the history of collecting and exhibitions, community representation, ownership and intellectual property, repatriation, negotiation, preservation, and modes of display.

Course aims:

On completing this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Interpret institutional, agency and government policies and frameworks pertaining to Indigenous collections and consultation with Indigenous and other communities, and to engage in ethical and sensitive processes appropriate to the diversity of constituents and communities;

2. Conceptualise the main issues pertaining to repatriation and the preservation,ownership and intellectual property of traditional knowledge;

3. Evaluate the representation of Indigenous individuals and communities in museums and other exhibition contexts;

4. Conduct primary research into Indigenous collections including effective written and verbal communication; and

5. Model best practice and a commitment to ethical, reflective practice in crosscultural museum contexts.

Learning Outcomes:

1. To gain skills in written and verbal expression for a variety of relevant professional and academic purposes.

2. To develop skills in interdisciplinary cross-cultural thinking and the ability to apply theoretical ideas to case studies developed from personal observation.

3. To gain skills required for collections-based work. This includes data-collection, analysis, and verbal and written presentation at the standard of a postgraduate degree.

4. To gain skills required to model best practice and a demonstrate commitment to ethical, reflective practice in crosscultural museum contexts.

Collections project comprising presentation and documentation equivalent to 2,500 words (65%) and 2,500 word essay (35%).

Kreps, Christina F. (2003), Liberating Culture: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Museums, Curation and Heritage Preservation, London and New York: Routledge.