AUS4010

Society and culture of twentieth-century Australia

David Dunstan

8 points
* One 2-hour seminar per week
* First or second semester
* Clayton/City

Objectives Upon completion, students should have gained an understanding of the historical and cultural context for the study of Australia and become familiar with the concept of Australian Studies. Students will be expected to develop an understanding of the central themes of the subject and the approaches of a range of disciplines to the interpretation of Australian society and culture.

Synopsis This subject serves as an introduction to Australian Studies, focusing on the development of institutions and values in the context of Federation and the making of the nation. In articulating the central themes of dependence, growth and identity, attention is paid to the political system and the economy, as well as to social structures and cultural preoccupations. The subject concludes with a review of issues of current concern as Australia approaches the centenary of Federation.

Assessment Two seminar papers (1500 words): 25% each
* Long essay (4000 words): 50%

Preliminary reading

Rickard J Australia: A cultural history Longman, 1988