AUS2002 - Beyond Gallipoli: Australians in two World Wars

Leader(s): Professor Bruce Scates

Offered

Prato Winter semester 2009 (Off-campus Day)

Synopsis

This Unit centres on a study tour of the Gallipoli peninsula, a visit to the ancient site of Troy and/or a cruise through the historic Greek islands to the WWII battlefields of Crete. It will be based at the Prato Study Centre near Florence where lectures/seminars will introduce students to Australians' experience of war. Topics will include the making of the Anzac legend, war and the experience of overseas travel, homeric tradition and the changing nature of battle, pilgrimage, cultural tourism and the making of commemorative landscapes abroad. Students will be required to research a campaign in depth and present their findings on a former battlefield or related site of memory.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students should have:

1. a critical understanding of the history of Australia's involvement in the world wars and the way these conflicts have been remembered and commemorated;
2. an in depth understanding of the lived experience of war and an ability to interrogate personal testimonies;
3. a knowledge of the historical and social context of Australia's involvement in particular campaigns during the first and second world wars and how these have redefined Australia's relationship with the region and the world;
4. a familiarity with the major historiographical issues surrounding the impact of world war and 'total war' on Australian identity and society;
5. an ability to conduct independent research;
6. an ability to write expressively and critically on the complex questions of involvement in human conflict.

Assessment

Assignment based on excursion (2000 words): 20%
One major essay (4000 words): 40%
Class presentation: 20%
Test (1 hour): 20%

Contact hours

12 hours (4 x 1 hour lecture + 4 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites

First year Arts sequence or equivalent

Prohibitions

AUS2003, AUS3003, AUS3002, AUS2004, AUS3004, AUS2005, AUS3005