GSC2501

Australian history

David Schmitt

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Gippsland and distance - Prerequisites: GSC1503 and 1504 or equivalents

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have developed an appreciation of Australian historiography, an intimate knowledge of select themes in Australian history, and the ability to think critically about and communicate effectively on the various themes and issues addressed.

Synopsis This subject provides a general introduction to the history of Australia from the arrival of the Aboriginal people to the post World War II period. The subject seeks to give an overview of the development of Australian society; the development of rural and urban life; the nature and development of the Australian character in studies of colonial life, the utilisation of land and resources; the involvement in and impact of war; and the emergence of a mixed economy. The themes are explored by a comparative study of the 'traditional' and more recent 'revisionist' historians' accounts of Australian history. The accent of this subject is on how and why the economic, political and social structures and institutions developed and matured in their present form. The major research essay will provide a vehicle for the development and application of primary research skills.

Assessment Essay one - tutorial topic (1000 words): 25% - Essay two - theme study (2000 words): 30% - Research essay (3000 words): 45%

Prescribed texts

Clark C M H A short history of Australia 4th rev. edn, Penguin, 1995
Clarke F Australia: A concise political and social history HBJ, 1992
Farrell F Themes in Australian history NSWUP, 1990

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