Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to Australian history. It offers selected coverage of major events and developments in Australian history and also considers how the discipline of history operates across different domains - academic, public and popular. By focusing on major themes such as war, depression, memory, political and social conflict the unit takes an in-depth look at specific issues in Australian history that have provoked debate and controversy. By focusing on points of difference or conflict we begin to understand the deeper themes and characteristics of Australian history and its scholars. We will also consider how history and historians have made an impact on the public sphere.

Objectives

This unit is designed to provide students with knowledge of Australian history and to develop their historical skills. The topics will be rotated from semester to semester according to available expertise but may include issues concerning the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous histories, the use of oral history, politics and Australian history, the public sphere and the history profession, and history in the schools.
The unit has six key objectives. The assessment item/s which address the particular objective are noted in brackets.

At the successful completion of the unit, students will demonstrate:

1. an awareness of the major issues in the study and practice of Australian history; (tutorial presentation/tutorial summary, tutorial paper, exam)
2. an ability to evaluate critically competing historical interpretations, and primary sources; (essay)
3. an ability to understand and analyse academic as well as popular history; (exam, essay)
4. research and reflective skills relevant to the study of the humanities; (tutorial paper, essay and exam)
5. written and oral communications skills appropriate for a scholarly environment (all items of assessment)
6. at Third year level, all the above applies with a particular emphasis on the critical use of primary sources (essay, tutorial paper)

Assessment

Essay (1500 words - At third year level the assignment must include a particular emphasis on the critical use of primary sources): 40%
Tutorial paper (800 words - At third year level the assignment must include a particular emphasis on the critical use of primary sources): 20%
Examination (2 hours): 40% +
(on campus students only)
Five minute tutorial presentation. This will be assessed as 'pass' or 'fail'. In order to secure a pass grade student will:
- demonstrate evidence of research and comprehension skills relevant to the tutorial paper
- demonstrate ability to plan a successful argument and utilise evidence effectively

(off campus students only)
100 Word tutorial summary submitted to MUSO Discussion list. This will be assessed as 'pass' or 'fail'. In order to secure a pass grade student will:
- demonstrate evidence of research and comprehension skills relevant to the tutorial paper
- demonstrate evidence of ability to plan a successful argument and utilise evidence effectively

Chief examiner(s)

Elizabeth Edmondson

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1-hour lecture, 1-hour tutorial)

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

History-politics
Australian studies

Prohibitions

HPL2501, HPL2512