131-109 Australian Colonial

Formerly available as 131-003. Students who have completed 131-003 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. It is recommended that this subject be undertaken in conjunction with 131-190 Australian Modern. This subject is recommended for students wishing to complete a major in Australian studies.

The subject examines recent conflicts in Australian public life which turn on conflicting views of Australia's past, as well as recent high-stakes debates between Australian historians. The subject critically examines these historical conflicts over land, labour, gender, population, political and human rights, sovereignty and external relations to explore ways in which the past continues to inform and shape the present. Topics covered will include the fiction of 'terra nullius', disputes over frontier wars, convictism, Indigenous cultural survival, the White Australian policy, environment and landscape perception, federation, the British connection, museums and public history. The subject makes Australian history accessible through hands-on research into actual 19th century records, practical field trips, multimedia modules, and workshops involving novelists, archaeologists and archivists. Attention will be given to the ways in which invocations of versions of Australian history and tradition animate debate on matters as diverse as immigration and refugee policy, foreign policy and health care. The subject thus aims to clarify the bases of the so-called 'history wars' of the early 21st century within their historical, cultural and political contexts, and to explore the present uses of the Australian past.

• 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;

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

• develop computer and IT literacy.

A written assignment 40% (due mid-semester), a written essay 50% (due at the end of semester) and class participation 10%.

A subject reader will be available.