HSY2300

Twentieth-century Australia: nation and identity

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

8 points
* Two lectures and one tutorial per week
* Prohibition: HSY2740/HSY3740

Objectives Students successfully completing this subject should have gained a knowledge and understanding of the main phases of twentieth-century Australian history, changing representations of Australian identity, and the incidence of conflict and consensus in Australian political life. Students should also become familiar with key organising concepts, including race, gender, and class, employed by historians of twentieth-century Australia.

Synopsis A study of the changing character of the Australian state and of national aspirations and identity. The topics covered include the process of social reform, involvement in overseas conflicts from the Great War to Vietnam, the situation of Aborigines, political and social experience of the depression, consensus and conflict in the political system, postwar immigration policies and their impact, the changing nature of the family and representations of the `Australian way of life.'

Assessment Short essay (1500 words): 25%
* Long essay and synopsis (3500 words): 45%
* Examination (1 hour): 20%
* Tutorial participation: 10%

Recommended texts

Rickard J Australia: A cultural history Longman, 1988
Ward R A nation for a continent Heinemann, 1977
White R Inventing Australia Allen and Unwin, 1981