Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

Australians are hardly recognisable today against the Australia and Australians of 1945. In the last sixty-five 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 an appreciation of Australian people and the significant political and social debates that they engage in.

Aims

This unit is designed to provide overseas and Australian students with an understanding of Australian culture and values. It offers insights and understandings about issues that divide Australians as well as events and circumstances that unite the nation.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students will:
1. demonstrate knowledge of change over time in contemporary Australia
2. express articulate informed opinions on contemporary Australian society and culture
3. apply historiographical methodologies to the resolution of problems and research questions
4. appreciate the influences shaping society and culture in Australia
5. acquire an enhanced understanding of the values of other cultures

Content

The achievement of learning outcomes will be carried out by examining central aspects of Australia's history, with the post-world war 2 period emphasised. Lectures will expose students to the contestability of historical interpretation and the manner in which these interpretations are influenced by cultural and political considerations. The unit is uniquely multicultural in that overseas student input is especially valued. Opportunities are provided for both overseas and Australian students to work together collaboratively and to explore cultural similarities and differences.

The unit includes the following topics:

1. Coastal Australia
   
2. Rural Australia - Mateship


3. Brisbane


4. Australian Films


5. Australia's (other) Principal Cities


6. Excursion - Brisbane


7. Indigenous Australians (1)


8. Indigenous Australians (2)


9. Tourism in SE Queensland


10. Sport in Australia


11. The Monarchy or a Republic


12. Immigrants


13. Defending Australia

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit primarily consists of lectures, tutorial presentations, discussion, and film documentaries. The unit provides diverse perspectives and multi-disciplinary approaches to methods of learning. The lectures are informative with videos frequently utilised to consolidate aspects of each topic. Tutorials are student-centred with discussion encouraged. The assessment requires students to reflect upon their experiences within Australia. Tutorial topics are self-selected and the examination consists of essay responses to set questions on topics investigated in lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

The General Assessment for this unit is both formative and summative. Tasks include tutorial involvement and a written examination consolidated by weekly quizzes.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 utilizing visual material.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
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 & 5.
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, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Arrow, M. Friday on our Minds - Popular Culture in Australia since 1945. Sydney. UNSW Press (2009).

Booth, D. Australian Beach Cultures; The History of Sun, Sand and Surf. London: Frank Cass (2001).

Davison, J. and Spearritt, P. Holiday Business; Tourism in Australia Since 1870. Melbourne: MUP (2000).

Haebich, A. Spinning the Dream - Assimilation in Australia, 1950-1970. Fremantle WA. Fremantle Press (2008).

Ham, P. Vietnam - The Australian War. Sydney. Harper Collins (2007).


Huntsman, L. Sand in our Souls - The Beach in Australian History. Carlton Sth Vic. MUP (2001).

Kidd, R. Trustees on Trial: Recovering the Stolen Wages, Canberra ACT: Aboriginal Studies Press (2006).

Macintyre, S. A Concise History of Australia. Port Melbourne, Vic.: CUP (2009).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

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: 26-Oct-2012