AUS1060

Contemporary Australia

Jeff Jarvis and Victoria Peel

6 points - 3 hours per week - First and second semester - Clayton - Available to international students only

Objectives Students will gain an overview of Australia today by focusing on key components of contemporary Australian society including the government, the socio-economic structure, the arts and popular culture. The Australian 'Way of Life' will be analysed through a study of contemporary issues. Students will be expected to evaluate arguments on the nature of contemporary Australian society as well as demonstrate skills of description, analysis, interpretation and formulation of argument.

Synopsis Contemporary Australia is a multidisciplinary course in Australian studies designed for non-Australian residents, providing students with a broad introduction to contemporary Australian society, covering the key themes of environment, migration and national identity, explored through a range of sources including film, literature and popular culture. The course looks at Australia's relations with indigenous people and migrant groups. It also examines the changing Australian stereotypes and icons, the changing identity of women and family life, as well as the conservation and imaging of the Australian landscape and fauna. A series of field trips will be arranged throughout the semester.

Assessment Tutorial paper (1000 words): 25% - Major essay (2500 words): 40% - Examination (1.5 hours): 35%

Prescribed texts

Whitlock G and Carter D (eds) Images of Australia UQP, 1992
Rickard J Australia: A cultural history 2nd edn, Longman, 1996

Recommended texts

Arnold J, Spearritt P and Walker D (eds) Out of empire: The British dominion of Australia Mandarin, 1993
Mackay H Reinventing Australia: The mind and mood of Australia in the 90s Angus and Robertson, 1993
McGregor C Class in Australia Allen and Unwin, 1997
Shiell A and Stephen A (eds) The lie of the land NCAS, 1992
Smith J The unique continent UQP, 1992

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