Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit explores Australians experience of war and will be taught at the Monash Study Centre in Prato. A series of lectures and workshops will introduce students to the Australia's contribution to both World Wars emphasising our changing relationship to Britain/Europe. 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. Students will be required to research a battle in depth and present their findings using combatants' testimony. Includes an excursion to an historic site of war memory in Italy.

Objectives

1. A critical understanding of the history of Australia's involvement in the Great War and the way that conflict has 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
7. an understanding of different theoretical approaches to the writing of history and the history of warfare in particular (third year students would be expected to acquire a greater degree of sophistication in applying critical and theoretical approaches).

Assessment

One major essay (3000 words): 60%
Class presentation (based on excursion): 20%
+ Test (1 hour): 20%

Chief examiner(s)

Bruce Scates

Contact hours

Contact hours: 1 x 2 hr workshop pre departure + 1 x 2 hr lecture pre departure +10 x 1 hr lecture + 5 x 2 hr seminars over 3 weeks in Prato.

Off-campus attendance requirements

Given that this course is to be delivered in Prato, it cannot be offered through distance learning.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Australian studies

Prerequisites

First year Arts sequence or equivalent

Co-requisites

None

Prohibitions

AUS2002, AUS3002, AUS2004