SCY3310

Population and migration

Bob Birrell

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject examines the sources and implications of population growth in Australia. When completed, students should be able to analyse trends in Australia's population growth, particularly since World War Two, covering both natural increase and migration; understand the determinants of Australian population growth - with the major focus being on immigration policy; be capable of analysing the consequences of population growth. These consequences include: (a) the impact on Australia's ethnic makeup and interethnic relations; (b) the impact on Australia's urban and economic patterns; and c) the environmental implications of population growth.

Synopsis This option examines (a) the factors shaping Australian immigration policy since World War Two and the outcome as regards country of origin, skill and other social characteristics of migrants, and (b) the migrant impact on Australian society, including inter ethnic relations, the `multicultural' challenge and class relationships.

Assessment Essay based on a class presentation (2000 words): 40%
* Essay (4000 words): 60%

Recommended texts

Betts K Ideology and immigration MUP, 1988
Birrell R and Birrell T An issue of people rev. edn, Longman Cheshire, 1987
Castles F and others Mistaken identity, multiculturalism and the demise of nationalism in Australia 2nd edn, Pluto, 1990
Lack J and Templeton J Bold experiment: A documentary history of Australian immigration since 1945 OUP, 1995
National Population Council Final report, population issues and Australia's future AGPS, 1992
Price C (ed.) Australian national identity Academy of Social Sciences, 1991
Theophanous A Understanding multiculturalism and Australian identity Elikia Books, 1995
National Multicultural Advisory Council Multicultural Australia: The next steps - towards and beyond 2000 AGPS, 1995
Markus A Australian race relations Allen and Unwin, 1994