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AUS1030

Culture in Australia: an introductory survey

David Dunstan

6 points * 3 hours per week * Second semester * Berwick

Synopsis This interdisciplinary subject will provide students with a basic understanding and appreciation of cultural achievement in Australia as a necessary background to the study of cultural tourism. Looking at art, architecture, literature, music and film, with some reference to popular culture in general, the subject will place Australian culture in an historical context, focussing on issues such as national identity, gender and the representation of Aboriginality. In gaining some familiarity with a range of cultural forms, students will be asked to assess the contribution made by each to the defining of Australian values. The subject will introduce students to cultural theory and will place an emphasis on the development of historical and interpretive skills.

Assessment Class exercises (1000 words): 20% * Tutorial paper (1000 words): 20% * Long essay (2000 words): 40% * Examination (1 hour): 20%

Recommended texts

Ackland M (ed.) The Penguin anthology of nineteenth-century Australian literature Penguin, 1993

Boyd R Australia's home: Its origins, builders and occupiers MUP, 1987

Grimshaw P and others Creating a nation McPhee Gribble, 1994

Rickard J Australia: A cultural history Longman, 1988

Serle G The creative spirit in Australia: A cultural history Heinemann, 1987

Smith B Australian painting 1788-1990 OUP, 1992

White R Inventing Australia: Images and identity 1788-1980 Allen and Unwin, 1981


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Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996