Description

This program, conducted in conjunction with Georgetown University, will present a narrative overview of key topics in Australian history and explore some of the essential themes of the Australian experience. Through the lenses of Australia's sporting history, its political landscape and the development of the bush and Anzac mythologies we will uncover the nature of Australia's identity. Using a variety of teaching mediums (lectures, seminars, films and excursions), the program will introduce students to major aspects of the Australian experience.

Some of the other major topics areas to be explored include:

- What is/was the nature of traditional Aboriginal society, and how has that changed since colonisation?
- What are the major events and influences that have shaped contemporary Australian society?
- The development of culture in Australia 1788 to the present;
- The development and importance of the Bush and Anzac mythologies;
- The concept of Sport as (Australian) culture;
- Politics, racism and gender issues in Australian Sport;
- The development of Australian Liberal democracy;
- Indigenous Australians and contemporary political discourse;
- Constitutional systems, political parties and culture.

What is the meaning and background of the Wik and Mabo decisions? Over a hundred years after Federation, why is Australia still not a republic? To what extent is there a distinctive Australian literary and visual culture? Is Australia really a classless society? How have Australians negotiated the complex series of relationships with their powerful allies (including the US) and near neighbours? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in the lecture/seminar series and related excursions.