131-040 Australian Biography and History

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites.

This subject will examine a range of biographies and autobiographies of people who have inhabited the broad landscape of Australian historical themes and events. Discussion will focus upon the context in which biographical subjects lived and upon evaluating the contribution of such texts, with their personalised insights, to the comprehension of Australian history. The subject will critically evaluate a range of issues relating to biography and autobiography as historical literary forms, including the craft of good writing, the debate over the agency of the individual in history, and the value and limitations of psycho-history. Students will write a review of a significant published work and will research and write a biographical essay. The subject will also include consideration of the source materials used in biographies. Students who complete this subject should gain experience in independent research; develop broader skills in historical understanding and writing; as well as an appreciation and knowledge of intellectual, philosophical, cultural, political and aesthetic issues in Australian history.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.

• K Fitzpatrick, Solid Bluestone Foundations and Other Memories of a Melbourne Girlhood 1908-1928. Macmillan, 1983.
• Also published as: K Fitzpatrick, Solid Bluestone Foundations: Memories of an Australian Girlhood. Penguin, 1986.
• G Serle, John Monash: A Biography. MUP, 1982.
• J Rickard, A Family Romance: The Deakins at Home. MUP, 1996.