102-003 Australia and America

Students are not permitted to undertake within a 12-month period more than two undergraduate 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.

• be able to conduct research through competent use of the library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

• demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate thinking in theoretical terms through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgments, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• demonstrate written communication through essay preparation and writing;

• demonstrate public speaking ability through tutorial discussion and class presentations;

• demonstrate attention to detail through essay preparation and writing, and examination revision;

• demonstrate time management and planning through managing and organizing workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment;

• demonstrate team work through joint projects and group projects.

Class presentation 10%, a research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a reflective essay of 1500 words 30% (due after the examination period). Students must attend at least 70% of tutorial classes.

A subject reader will be available.