Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course offers a new and innovative program for international and local students which offers an advanced level coursework program focusing on the study of contemporary Australia. It aims to develop students' understanding of the diversity and extent of Indigenous and non-indigenous Australian experience, and of Australian cultural and social forms in a global context. As a flexible and interdisciplinary program, the Master of Australian Studies will appeal to students with backgrounds in humanities subjects, such as literary and cultural studies, or in social science subjects, such as journalism, politics and international studies.

Students will develop an understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian experience and the diversity of regional and local communities within Australia. They will:

• gain the ability to engage critically with debates relating to Australia in a Global context
• be guided by a critical pedagogy which provides a conceptual framework for students to reflect on their prior experience and knowledge, and which is sensitive to different educational traditions
• develop advanced research, writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to reflect upon personal learning
• gain confidence in utilising a range of IT resources, such as word processing and email, searching databases and text files, and locating, employing and evaluating internet sites.

Students complete two 12-point core units and two 12-point elective units at level four, plus one of the options at level five. Students who achieve a distinction average in their level four units have the option of undertaking a 24-point research dissertation at level five. All units are worth 12 points except where indicated.

Level four

Students must complete two core units:

• COM4001 Researching and writing Australia
• AUS4010 Australian society and culture or AUS4025 Australia in global perspective

plus two of the following:

• ENM4370 Contemporary Australian poetry and fiction
• HYM4320 Citizens: Histories of Australian citizenship
• PLM4370 Citizenship and democracy in Australian politics
• PLM4800 Australian national government
• RLM4100 Religion in Australian society
• one 12-point level four unit with the approval of the course coordinator

Level five

Students must complete one of the following options:

Option one

• AUS5003 Research project in Australian studies 

plus one of the following:

• AUS5010 Australian society and culture*
• AUS5025 Australia in global perspective*
• ENM5370 Contemporary Australian poetry and fiction
• HYM5320 Citizens: Histories of Australian citizenship
• PLM5370 Citizenship and democracy in Australian politics
• PLM5800 Australian national government
• RLM5100 Religion in Australian society
• one 12-point level five unit with the approval of the course coordinator

* If not previously completed at level four.

Option two

• AUS5035 Research dissertation in Australian studies (24 points)**

** Requires approval of the course coordinator.

Students who undertake the 24 point research project option and achieve at least a distinction are eligible to apply for a higher degree by research.

Students who have completed studies in the Master of Australian studies to the value of:

• 24 points may apply to exit with a related graduate certificate
• 48 points may apply to exit with a related graduate diploma.

Students will also exit the masters with the appropriate award if they do not maintain the required academic level.

Master of Australian Studies