AUS1020S

Democracy and nation

John Arnold and Chris Baker

6 points - 5 hours per week - Summer semester - Clayton

Objectives Upon completion of this subject, students will have an understanding of the character and nature of the democracy that was established in Australia at the time of Federation in 1901; an ability to identify and analyse the factors influencing the Australian constitution and the Australian system of government; an ability to discuss, in an informed fashion, a range of issues which are associated with Australia's political, social and cultural development over the early part of this century; and gain a detailed knowledge of the early development of the nation's political and legal system.

Synopsis This subject focuses on the character of the democracy that was established in Australia at the time of federation in 1901. It examines the many influences on Australia's constitution and its system of government, and how Australian citizens viewed their rights and responsibilities. Upon completion of this subject, together with AUS1010S, students will have an overview of Australia's political, social and cultural development over this century and a detailed knowledge of the early development of the nation's political and legal system.

Assessment Written exercise (500 words): 15% - Assignment 1 (1500 words): 35% - Assignment 2 (2500 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Mcintyre S 'The succeeding age 1901-1942' The Oxford history of Australia vol. 4, OUP, 1986

Recommended texts

Arnold J Spearritt P and Walker D (eds) Out of empire: The British dominion of Australia Mandarin, 1993
Rickard J Australia: A cultural history 2nd edn, Longman, 1996
Kingston B 'Glad confident morning' The Oxford history of Australia vol. 4, OUP, 1988

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