Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

After the founding of permanent European settlement on the western shores of the Pacific in 1788, a sustained though tenuous relationship linked the newly formed colonies and later the Commonwealth of Australia to the adjacent islands of the Southwest Pacific. The phrase "Australia's Pacific frontier" has been coined by historians to describe the economic links to that era. In the latter part of the 19th century, regional and sub-regional strategic, imperial and colonial schemes and policies were voiced and acted upon. Australia's South Sea Islander community of today is linked to this era through the descendents of "Kanakas" indentured in the sugar, pastoral and other tropical Australian industries. The 20th century relationship includes political concerns as well as aid, trade and commercial links. Immigration has also created a Pacific Islander community of recent migrants. This unit critically examines the relationship that exists between the Pacific Islands and Australia historically and more recently.

Aims

This unit is designed to offer an understanding of the complex relationships that have linked Australia to the Pacific Islands from colonial times to the present. This will include acquiring an appreciation of the unique cultural, social, economic and political circumstances that are relevant to the different regions.

Objectives

To develop an understanding of and critical appreciation of Australia's historical links with the peoples, states and territories of the Pacific Island region.

At the end of the unit you will be able to:

1. describe and critically analyse bilateral, multilateral and international links between Australia and the Pacific Islands


2. demonstrate knowledge of the links between Australia and the Pacific Islands


3. argue in a structured, informed manner and apply historical methodologies in your research and presentations.

Content

1. Australia and subimperialism


2. Nauru and PNG - colonial responsibilities


3. Settlers in Fiji, New Hebrides and Solomon Islands


4. Kanakas in Australia


5. Aid, trade, and tourism


6. Australia and Pacific Regionalism

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit primarily consists of lectures and tutorial activities and discussions. The content offers diverse perspectives and multi-disciplinary approaches to methods of learning. The lectures are informative with varied interpretations presented to consolidate aspects of each topic. Tutorials are student-centred with discussion encouraged. The assessment requires you to reflect upon the stated aims of the unit.

Assessment

The General Assessment for this unit is both formative and summative. Tasks include tutorial involvement, weekly quizzes and a written examination.Tutorial: The lecturer or tutor will offer suggestions and directions concerning the content and arrangement of the tutorial presentation.
Exam: Sample exam questions will be available.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Oral presentation to class on specified topics utilising visual material.
Relates to objectives: 2 & 3.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Weekly Quiz
Description: Short answer questions about the content covered in the lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: In Tutorials

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Set questions - Written responses
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

Fatnowna, N. Fragments of a lost heritage. Nth Ryde, NSW: Angus and Robertson (1989).

Gistitin, C. Quite a colony; South Sea Islanders in central Queensland 1867-1993. Fortitude Valley, Qld: AEBIS Publishing (1995).

Mercer, P. White Australia defied, Pacific Islander settlement in North Queensland. Townsville, Qld: James Cook University (1995).

Moore, C.R. Kanaka; a history of Melanesian Mackay. Port Moresby: UPNG Press (1985).

Nelson, H. & Lal, B.V. Lines across the sea; colonial inheritance in the post-colonial Pacific. Brisbane: Pacific History Association (Eds.) (1995).

Thompson, R. Australian Imperialism in the Pacific: the expansionist era, 1820-1920. Carlton, Vic.: MUP (1980).

Thompson, R. Australia and the Pacific Islands in the 20th Century. Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing (1998).

Williams, M. & Macdonald B. The phosphateers: a history of the British Phosphate Commissioners and the Christmas Island Phosphate Commission. Carlton, Vic.: MUP (1985).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use apply.

Disclaimer: Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 20-Dec-2011