AustLit

Australians are hardly recognisable today against the Australia and Australians of 1945. In the last fifty years, numerous social, cultural and political ideas, policies and actions have shaped and re-constructed Australians. Understanding how Australia has evolved as a nation, a community, a culture and a people involves critically analysing various constructions, meanings and interpretations. A study of Australian society and culture will therefore involve examining the Australian people and the significant political and social debates that they engaged in.

Australian Society and Culture combines literary and cultural studies, political analysis and history. It will provide a context through which students can acquire introductory level knowledge about Australian institutions and traditions, particularly since 1945. To that end, lectures, audio-visual materials, exercises, readings and assignments focus upon the development of new skills and approaches. This program of studies will also offer students the opportunity to analyse and discuss material presented.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of change over time in contemporary Australia,

2. express articulate informed opinions on contemporary society and culture,

3. apply methodologies to the resolution of problems and research questions,

4. appreciate the influences shaping society and culture in Australia.

Content

1. Coastal Australia

2. Australian Legend - Mateship

3. Australian Films

4. Australia and World War 2

5. The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith

6. The Image of Australia - Tourism

7. A Republic.

8. Indigenous Australians

9. Immigrants

10. Vietnam

11 Women's Progress in Australia

12. Sport and the Australian People