131-190 Australia: Histories of the Present

Formerly available as 131-004. Students who have completed 131-004 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. It is recommended that students undertake this subject in conjunction with 131-109 Whose History? Australia's Disputed Past. This subject is recommended for students wishing to complete a major in Australian studies.

This subject examines the development of modern Australia within both national and global frameworks, enabling students to develop an enhanced understanding of contemporary Australian society and culture. We will look at how key events and social trends (such as wars, the Depression, environmentalism, indigenous rights, globalisation, multiculturalism, suburbanisation) have shaped Australian identity, community and nationhood; at Australia's international relations with Britain, Europe, America and Asia, as well as the flow of ideas, peoples and refugees which have helped shape these. We will look at how these events and developments were experienced in private as well as in public, and at the memories and stories of individuals which helped shaped them. The subject will include site visits and group project work, and is suited to both local and international students with no necessary background in Australian history.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.