Unit outline_

AGEN3008: Indigenous Land and Food Knowledge

Semester 2, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study facilitates an understanding of Indigenous land and food knowledge with a focus on identifying and developing local opportunities for revitalisation of Indigenous practices and foodways. The unit examines the vital significance of the 'Indigenous estate' - approximately 45% of Australia is under Indigenous land tenure - and explores contemporary Indigenous perspectives on land management. Students will gain deep insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities across diverse rural and regional landscapes. Through direct engagement with Indigenous Elders, leaders, researchers, and community members during field trips, students will study traditional and contemporary Indigenous land and food knowledges; understand the provision for Indigenous self-determination; develop cultural competency and critical self-reflection skills; design practical plans to support sustainable community initiatives; and build expertise in qualitative research methods and socio-ecological systems analysis. The course emphasises hands-on learning and community collaboration, preparing students for future research partnerships with Indigenous communities. Students will gain valuable experience in developing projects that align with and support community aspirations while enhancing their understanding of Indigenous perspectives on land management and food systems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
72 credit points in 1000-3000 level units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Rebecca Cross, r.cross@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Practical skill hurdle task Engagement during Field Study
Evidence of engagement and group collaboration during Field Study
10% Week -02
Due date: 26 Jul 2026 at 17:00
During Field Study Trip AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Case studies Field study report
Notes describing Field Study activities - hard copy submission
10% Week 01
Due date: 07 Aug 2026 at 17:00
Booklet filled out during Field Study AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Research analysis Individual Essay
Place-based Essay
25% Week 05
Due date: 04 Sep 2026 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Presentation group assignment Presentation of Feasibility Study
Presentation of feasibility study
10% Week 09
Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 09:00
15minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Research analysis group assignment Group Feasibility Study
Feasibility Study with funding application as an appendix
20% Week 10
Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59
3000word report AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Written work Critical Reflection
Critical reflection using excerpts from reflective journal - can be written or oral
25% Week 12
Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 23:59
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Participation and Fieldtrip report (filled out booklet) will be submitted on the last day of the Field Study.

The individual pieces of assessment include an essay and a critical reflection.

The group pieces of assessment include a presentation and a feasibility report + grant application.

You must attempt all assessments to meet the requirements of this course. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

This work shows excellent understanding of the topic and clear evidence of independent
critical thought. It may contain blemishes, but these are compensated for by signs of high
intellectual quality, especially clear, well-organised and forceful argument; reading and
understanding beyond the set literature; and originality of approach.

Distinction

75 - 84

This work shows a very good understanding of the relevant content; the essay reflects
independent thought; significantly it attempts to develop evaluative and critical arguments.
Such arguments may be second-hand and/or they may be flawed, but a serious and
sustained attempt at criticism has been made.

Credit

65 - 74

This work shows a clear understanding of the relevant material; it contains only small gaps
or minor errors; reading has obviously gone beyond lecture material; there are signs of
independent thought, and some attempt is made to evaluate arguments or develop critical
arguments.

Pass

50 - 64

This work shows evidence of a satisfactory level of understanding of the relevant material; it
may contain gaps, errors or other kinds of blemishes, but it is obvious that the student has
read and digested material from lectures and/or set literature. The essay, however, is largely
derivative – it simply reports the views of others - and little or no criticism or evaluation of
arguments is attempted.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. There may be a significant amount of ‘parroting’ of material from lectures or tutorials or set
reading, but this work shows little or no evidence of satisfactory understanding of the
relevant content; it may contain either serious errors or major gaps in what is considered
essential information.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalties of 5% per day will apply for late submissions as per University Policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

  • Pre-enrolment tasks must be completed to gain permission to enrol in the unit
  • The CSU ICCP must be completed
  • Attendance during the Field Study is mandatory
  • Attendance at pre-Field Study workshops are required for WH&S briefings, cultural competence training and organisation of travel logistics
  • Attendance at the post-Field Study workshop is required for the group presentation

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the complexity involved in sustainably caring for Country using multiple sources of knowledge and world-views.
  • LO2. Recognise the extent of Indigenous land management in Australia by working directly with individuals and communities living and working on Country.
  • LO3. Develop the cultural competence and capability to work effectively with Indigenous communities.
  • LO4. Be familiar with the main challenges facing contemporary Indigenous communities in the context of land management and critically examine the potential future implications of these challenges.
  • LO5. Practice applying skills and knowledge to work competently and confidently with individuals and communities for positive change.
  • LO6. Explore and describe options for enterprise development in collaboration with communities and assess the potential for increasing cultural inclusivity.
  • LO7. Develop a feasibility study for enterprise development and a grant application tailored to include local Indigenous knowledge and participation.
  • LO8. Critically reflect on and analyse how different cultural values and beliefs affect professional communication and practice and the strategies that can be employed to enhance communication across cultures.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The timing of the first pre-field trip workshop was still held in Stuvac but a second one was scheduled during the vacation period 2 weeks prior to the field trip. Students, therefore, had a better chance to attend at least one of these workshops. This unit now operates as a fieldtrip in rural NSW, reducing the cost to students. More information about the local flora was provided as requested.

Additional costs

Costs for some meals and optional activities will be required ($900)

Site visit guidelines

Permission obtained as required for each site visited.

Work, health and safety

As this is a field trip includes travel relatively remote locations, all WH&S requirements are followed carefully and fully.

Students are fully briefed for safety and risks before the field trip and on a daily basis according to the risks associated with tasks for the day.

Students are required to complete a Fieldwork Acknowledgement Form to raise awareness of risks and to gather relevant medical information and contact details.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

 

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.