Researching Australia: Issues, Agendas

Subject 102-310 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: 25 points at first year and 37.5 points at second year of Australian Studies subjects, and admission to third year
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Fay Anderson
Subject Overview:

How do you develop research expertise on Australia and so contribute to informed debate about issues facing the nation? This topic enables students to draw on their experience of the Australian Studies major to pursue research on an issue of contemporary concern to Australia. Areas for research will be identified at the start of semester, and students will develop research and writing techniques over the semester to produce a Âposition paper on a specific issue, suitable for presentation to government, other organisatons or industry. Research questions can be developed in relation to topics such as national identity, international relations, the environment, various social and political movements or issues and the media.

Assessment: 500 word research proposal 15% (due mid-semester), and a 3500 word 'position paper' 85% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: Subject readings will be distributed by staff at the beginning and throughout semester.
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able, through competent use of the library and other information sources, to define areas of inquiry and methods of research;

  • through engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences, have demonstrated the ability to think in theoretical terms:

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context, the contextualisation of judgments, a critical self-awareness, and an openness to new ideas and possibilities

  • demonstrated, through essay writing and discussion, the ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically
Notes: .

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