920-244 MCD-Secular and Sacred in Australia

This subject is offered by the Melbourne College of Divinity (MCD). Students wishing to undertake this subject must first enrol at the United Faculty of Theology Office (Kernicke House, Queens College, Parkville) before completing their enrolment at the Faculty of Arts Office (Old Arts Building). This subject may be included in a history or Australian studies major. Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught during the Summer Semester. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject for the Summer Semester must be made in line with HECS census dates, see HECS census date.

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites.

This subject explores the dynamics of belief and unbelief in 19th and 20th century Australia. It uses key metaphorical sites ('home', 'church', 'war memorial', 'sports ground', 'fringe camp', 'pub' and 'town hall') to examine Australian perceptions of 'good', 'bad' and 'God'. Students completing the subject should have a grasp of the historiography of religion in Australia and an enhanced understanding of 'the soul' as a category of historical analysis. Students will hone skills in reading a range of historical sources (including literary work and material culture), learn to formulate questions for independent research, and learn to analyse the interplay of race, gender and culture in shaping and reflecting patterns of meaning and identity in Australia since 1788.