131-242 Marvellous Melbourne: A Cultural History

Usually 12.5 points of first year history.

From Batman's Swamp to Kath & Kim's Fountain Lakes, Melbourne symbolises the achievements and the uncertainties of Australian urban and suburban life. Marvellous Melbourne comprises lectures, tutorials and excursions that provide a wide-ranging social and cultural history of Melbourne from national and comparative urban perspectives. The subject overviews the physical and social development of Melbourne from the 1830s to the present, probes representations of the city in popular culture, draws on sources ranging from detective novels, slummer journalism and archaeological artefacts, to maps, graffiti and Royal Commissions. In exploring the diverse local horizons of its inhabitants, the subject informs understandings of the growth of cities and the fashioning of urban life in both New and Old World cities.

• 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.

Class participation 10%, a reflective essay of 1000 words 20% (due middle of semester), and a research essay of 3000 words 70% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.