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AustLit

Contesting Australia (AUST10001 (102-110) )
Semester 1 / 2011

Description

What kind of place is Australia? And what kind of place should it be? This introductory subject, taught by a team of experts, examines the issues that make the Australian nation a contested place. The subject challenges students to engage with some of the key debates that have shaped the nation, and equips students with the skills to examine, research and thus understand these issues in depth. Key issues and topics covered may include such matters as immigration and multiculturalism, Indigenous and race-based issues, gender and sexuality, class and social status, the environment and war.

Objectives

1. Understanding of the key issues in Australian public life today

2. Ability to work with a variety of disciplines to develop an understanding these key issues

3. Comprehend how and why contested understandings of Australian issues arise and play out in public debates

Assessment

1500 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), a 2500 word essay 60% (due during the examination period) and class presentation 10%.

Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five days, no late assessment will be accepted. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Other Details

Offered in: 2009
Current Campus: Parkville
Levels: Undergraduate
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