Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit centres on a study tour of the Istanbul and the Gallipoli Peninsula, reconstructing the ANZAC campaign of 1915. A series of on site lectures and workshops will introduce students to the nature and experience of war on the peninsula. 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, the making of commemorative landscapes and the Ottoman Empire. Students will be required to research a battle in depth and present their findings on the battlefield or related site of memory.

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 the Gallipoli campaign and how that campaign 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 3 hr Workshop pre departure + 11 x 1 hr Lecture delivered on site at Istanbul/Gallipoli + 5 x 2 hr Seminars delivered on site at Istanbul/Gallipoli

Off-campus attendance requirements

Given the experiential aspect of this unit, 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, AUS2003, AUS3003, AUS2005