131-093 Migrants, Refugees & Australian Society

Usually 12.5 points of first year history.

This subject explores aspects of post-World War II migration to and refugee settlement in Australia since 1938. After 1948, Australians were classified as Australian citizens rather than British subjects. The millionth migrant arrived in 1955, and in 1983 the Migration Act substituted the classification of 'alien' with 'non-citizen'. Central to this subject will be issues of understanding immigrant and refugee responses to an alien society and environment, and questioning of the attitudes and policies of the host country to its newcomers. The subject will be both a study of major theoretical issues in migration and refugee studies and of central themes in migration and refugee history: migrant and refugee experiences; the Australian responses; definitions of assimilation, integration and multiculturalism; and the impact of migration and refugee settlement upon Australian society. On completion of the subject students should show an awareness of the richly diverse sources for studying migration history in Australia and show an understanding of issues involved in contemporary debates on central immigration and refugee issues.

• 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.

A research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester).