100-003 Australia and America

Students are not permitted to undertake within a 12-month period more than two subjects offered by the Australian Centre.

This subject examines, in a comparative context, historical and cultural developments in the United States and Australia with an emphasis on issues of national identity and social memory from the mid-19th century until the present day. In tracing the similarities and differences in the experiences of these two nations, the following themes will be discussed: the relationship between indigenous and settler societies; responses to landscape and the environment, including the growth of cities; political ideologies and culture; local, regional and global identities; the diversity of Australian and American peoples; and political and creative expressions of nationhood. The subject will also investigate the ways Australians and Americans have viewed each other's societies, and the cultural and political ties between the two countries.

Written work totalling 4000 words. A hurdle requirement for this subject is 50% attendance at tutorials.

A subject reader will be available.