Source materials for Australian studies
S McKemmish
8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First or second semester
*
Clayton
Objectives At the completion of this subject students will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the diversity of sources available for the study of Australian society; be able to develop a research methodology based on evaluation of a diversity of sources; have skills and techniques relating to collecting and analysing information; understand the research process and be able to evaluate diverse research sources according to their evidential properties.
Synopsis The subject is designed for those wishing to become familiar with the variety of information resources that comprise Australia's collective memory, and to explore the research process itself. A research project on a topic of the student's own choice is the focus of the course. Students are introduced to documentary materials in all forms and media, including archives, manuscripts, newspapers, government publications, reference sources, diaries, maps and pictures. The course includes an introduction to research techniques, including where and how to find relevant evidence, the nature of evidence and its interpretation and use. Students are given practical experience in exploring issues implicit in directly accessing primary sources, including its interpretation and use.
Assessment Research project (2500 words of `story'; 1500 words on the
research process): 70%
* Three research tools and source analysis
exercises: 30%
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