131-102 Australia in the World: 1914-2001

Formerly available as 131-299. Students who have completed 131-299 Australia in the World: 1914-2001 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first-year history.

This subject offers a broad overview of Australian understandings of its place in the 20th century world. It will be of interest to students interested in how understandings of the world outside have shaped Australian political and cultural life during the twentieth century. The course will begin with a consideration of Australia's place in the British Empire, its involvement in World War 1 and move to nationhood. The broad shift of Australian loyalty from World War 2 and the Vietnam Wars will be considered as well as the effects of Hollywood and Americanisation more generally. The influence of international movements on political activists such as feminists, Communists and indigenous agitators will also be considered. The course will conclude with some case studies of moments in recent history when Australia's relationship with the world has come under particular scrutiny such as the refugee crisis of 2001 and the war on terrorism.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

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

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

An exercise of 500 words 10% (due early semester), a research essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester), a review essay of 2000 40% (due in the examination period) and tutorial participation 10% throughout the semester.