Contesting Australia

Subject 102-110 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: .
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Fay Anderson
Subject Overview:

This subject examines rival ideas about Australia. It explores some of the ways in which Australian history, politics, culture and society have been sites of contestation. It looks at issues such as Aboriginality, migration, sexuality, war and conflict, the environment and class/status. It draws upon a variety of texts (fiction, non-fiction, film and other media) to uncover the diverging understandings of what Australia is, has been and might become. On completion of the subject, students should have developed ways to discuss and theorise diverse ways in which political and cultural conflicts can be understood.

Assessment: 1500 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), a 2500 word essay 60% (due during the examination period) and class participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester. In additon students will need to purchase the following essential texts:An Unpolished Gem (Alice Pung), Black Ink, 2006 My Brother Jack (George Johnson), any edition The Secret River (Kate Grenville), Text, 2005
Recommended Texts: .
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

  • Bachelor of Biomedicine
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Environments
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • Have developed critical thinking and analysis skills through reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion

  • Have learned to think in theoretical terms through engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences

  • Have gained knowledge of the role of social, ethical and cultural context in the construction of knowledge

  • Have developed critical self-awareness and openness to new ideas and possibilities
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (History)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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