102-210 From Mateship to Mardi Gras

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

Usually 25 points of any first-year subjects with Australian content.

This subject introduces students to the history of the construction of homosexual identities in Australia since European arrival. It explores the formation of sexual cultures in the 19th and early 20th centuries and examines the development of gay and lesbian politics and communities from 1969 to the present. A field trip to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (at additional cost) will form a component of the subject. On completion of the subject students should have developed ways to discuss and theorise a number of homosexual subcultures within an interdisciplinary framework. A knowledge of the complex history of homosexuality and of homosexual identities should enhance students' understanding of debates around identity and identity politics within Australian society in general.

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

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

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

• demonstrate team work through joint projects and group projects.

A 1000 word essay 25% (due mid semester) and a 3000 word essay 75% (due during examination period).

Students are required to buy two books which will provide the basis for the tutorial readings and discussions.

• G Willett, Living Out Loud: A History of Gay and Lesbian Activism in Australia. Allen & Unwin 2000.
• D L Phillips & G Willett (eds), Gay and Lesbian Perspectives 5: Papers of the Australia's Homosexual Histories Conference. Australian Centre for Lesbian and Gay Research and the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives 2000.