Introduction
Contested Knowledges is primarily concerned with issues
of knowledge production and its relationship to the management of
resources in northern Australia. The aim is to introduce you to
issues of knowledge and the philosophies relating to knowledge production,
and then to investigate the impact these ideas may have on the way
we approach the management of resources, particularly in different
cultural contexts.
The unit emphasises the way in which knowledge is contingent (absolutely
dependent) upon our social and cultural histories and how an awareness
of this may affect the ways in which people operate to develop,
manage and maintain resources where different cultural and historical
contexts are involved. The concept of contestation is important,
especially when we recognise the difficulty in creating political
and cultural space for people in a world of finite resources and
political imperatives.
Learning objectives
Successful completion of this unit should enable students to:
- develop an understanding of the contingent nature of all knowledge
systems;
- develop an understanding of the history of the western scientific
tradition and the events that have been quintessential in the
shaping of the current, dominant knowledge system in (north) Australia;
- recognise the importance of the negotiation of knowledge systems
in approaching resource management issues;
- recognise the inherent validity in and the importance of local
knowledge systems in the face of current globalising and universalising
cultural influences;
- identify and understand both the utility and the problems inherent
in the universalising and totalising nature of the western scientific
tradition;
- contribute to the shaping of the text for Contested Knowledges
unit.
If this is your introduction to tertiary study we look forward
to working with you to make your first steps into tertiary education
as worthwhile and interesting as possible. Make the most of this
opportunity to use and contribute to all the resources provided
to develop your study, research, and writing and discussion skills,
as you gain knowledge about the important issues addressed in this
unit.
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