Outline

Overview

Indigenous peoples across the globe have long confronted the violence of colonialism. This advanced seminar will explore the complex historical realities of cultural autonomy, strategic negotiation, adaptation and everyday resistance in a particular time and place. It will equip you to approach research ethically and sensitively, considering multiple perspectives on a conflicted past.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in History
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Roberto Chauca Tapia, roberto.chauca@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Final presentation Oral presentation of research paper	10%	Multiple weeks	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Conceptual essay In-person written reflection on secondary sources	20%	Week 05	1500 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Primary source analysis In-person written analysis of primary sources	20%	Week 09	1500 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research paper Research essay engaging primary and secondary sources	40%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Active engagement and discussion contribution	10%	Weekly	Weekly	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Participation: This activity will assess active engagement and discussion contribution each seminar session. Students are expected to complete the readings before attending each seminar session.

Conceptual essay: In-person written essay on a question or topic that allows the student to offer a comprehensive view of the unit's theoretical content in weeks 1-4.

Primary source analysis: In-person written essay on a question or topic that allows the student to offer a comprehensive view of the unit's primary sources in weeks 2-8.

Research paper: A written essay on any topic related to Indigenous history (focused on the Americas or a comparative study). The essay must include at least one of the theoretical topics and one of the primary sources analysed in this seminar.

Final presentation: It will be a presentation of between 5 and 10 minutes that will summarise the main topic, the research objectives, the evidence and the results of the research paper.

Students must attempt all assessments in order to pass the unit or risk an AF.

Assessment criteria

HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

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:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when assessments are submitted after 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.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the unit: What is ‘Indigenous’? Why Indigenous history? Why does it matter?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the unit: What is ‘Indigenous’? Why Indigenous history? Why does it matter?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Indigenous History, Ethnohistory, and Archaeology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Indigenous History, Ethnohistory, and Archaeology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Indigenous History and Subaltern/Postcolonial Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Indigenous History and Subaltern/Postcolonial Studies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Indigenous Peoples and the ‘New Conquest History’	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Indigenous Peoples and the ‘New Conquest History’	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Conceptual Essay (in-class assessment)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Conceptual Essay (in-class assessment)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Indigenous Religion	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Indigenous Religion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Indigenous Cosmopolitans	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Indigenous Cosmopolitans	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Indigenous Women	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Indigenous Women	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Primary source assessment (in-class assessment)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Primary source assessment (in-class assessment)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Indigenous Science and Knowledge	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Indigenous Science and Knowledge	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Cartographies and Territorialities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Cartographies and Territorialities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Final presentation: First round	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Final presentation: First round	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Final presentation: Second round	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Final presentation: Second round	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold. Tutorial attendance is mandatory.

Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction. Students are expected to complete the readings before attending each seminar session.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the 'Modules' link and the Library ‘Reading List’ link available on the Canvas site for this unit.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of concepts and methodology to conduct research on Indigenous histories.
LO2. Evaluate the use of decolonial and critical perspectives to assess the Indigenous perspectives on Western imperialism in early modern times.
LO3. Identify the Indigenous methods of recording and memorialisation of their histories under European colonisation.
LO4. Articulate the social and political factors that shaped the life of Indigenous societies in early modern Latin America.
LO5. Analyse and critically interpret primary and secondary materials to better understand the transdisciplinary nature of early modern Indigenous sources.
LO6. Organise a research structure and method.
LO7. Demonstrate high-level oral and written communication skills.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

I have updated the weekly seminar schedule and added two secure assessments and a final presentation.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HSTY3807: Indigenous History

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links