HSY2850

The Australian city: contemporary problems in historical perspective

(ART)

Graeme Davison

6 points + 2 hours per week + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in History or permission + Prohibition: HSY3850

Synopsis: This course examines contemporary concerns about the structure and function of Australian cities in the light of past debates about the future of cities and the historical experience of urban change. Attention will be paid to images of urban life in popular culture and students will be expected to engage in fieldwork. Among the specific questions to be considered are: How do cities compete with each other, and who wins? Is suburban sprawl a benefit or a liability? Why have Australians been so attached to the idea of individual home-ownership? Have Australian cities been successful in absorbing immigrants, and, if so, why?

Assessment: Essay (2000 words): 50% + Fieldwork report (1500 words): 30% + Test (1000 words): 20%