New Caledonia in the 21st Century

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 hours

French 4 or French 6 or subject to coordinator approval

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This course, which includes an intensive in-country component, will explore the history, politics and socio-cultural context of New Caledonia as it transitions towards possible independence from France through a series of referenda between 2014 and 2018. This will be achieved by examining the events which have led to this transition, including the independence movements in the 1970s and 80s and the Matignon and Nouméa agreements. The central theme of the course is the “common destiny” of the various peoples of New Caledonia; this theme will be examined through a series of lectures and workshops prior to departure, and a diverse program of activities on site in New Caledonia, including a visit to the Kanak Customary Senate and a stay with a Kanak community.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to reflect on and describe in oral and written French diverse aspects of New Caledonian history, politics, culture and society;
• be able to analyse the notion of “common destiny” and debate the implications of this notion for the various peoples of New Caledonia;
• be able to compare and contrast the colonial and convict pasts of Australia and New Caledonia;
• be able to show in depth critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of an argument;
• have demonstrated advanced research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
• be able to show critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of an argument;
• be able to show awareness of new aspects of French and Francophone culture;
• have demonstrated understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts;
• have demonstrated skills in public speaking and confidence in self-expression through seminar participation and class presentations and interaction with the local population

• A 1000 word reflective diary due at the end of the intensive [30%]
• A 2500 research essay due 2 weeks after the intensive [60%]
• A fieldwork/site visit report with relevant bibliography equivalent to 500 words during the intensive [10%]

This subject has the following hurdle requirements:

• A class presentation equivalent to 500 words during the pre-teaching period
• Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials/on site visits in order to pass this subject.
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days, no late assessment will be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

A subject reader will be made available.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be able to show critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of an argument;
• be able to demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
• be able to demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts;
• be able to demonstrate international awareness and openness to the world;
• show awareness of new aspects of French and Francophone culture;
• be able to demonstrate skills in public speaking and confidence in self-expression through seminar participation and class presentations and interaction with the local population.