NAH 433 (Themes in Australian History)

School of Arts, Division of History, Programme: BA with DIP ED
Course Convener: Dr Kevin Blackburn

General Course Description:

This prescribed module examines significant themes in Australian History. The course traces Australia from its beginnings as a place of punishment for British convicts in 1788 to its development into the only nation occupying a whole continent. Particular emphasis is placed on race relations, especially between the white settlers and the indigenous people of Australia - the Aborigines. It looks at how Australia came to occupy the unique position of being a predominantly European culture in an Asian region. One of the consequences of that position was the infamous racist immigration programme - the 'White Australia' policy, which existed from the late nineteenth century to the 1960s.

Specific Seminar Topics for NAH 433

1. The Impact of the Environment
2. Convict Colonies
3. The Conflict between Aborigines and the White Settlers
4. Post-Frontier Life for the Aborigines.
5. Federation, Nationalism, and 'White Australia'
6. 'Multicultural' Australia
7. Australian Foreign Policy

Assessment

• 30% Assignment
• 70% Examination

Assignment

Choose one of the following topics:
1. Do you agree with the interpretation of the convicts given by Russel Ward in the Australian Legend? Provide evidence for your point of view.

2. Describe the reasons for, and the operation of, the 'White Australia' immigration policy.

Examination Fourth Level (Semester 2) Examination, 1996-97

Wednesday, 26 March 1997, 1330-1600 (2 1/2 hours)

Instructions:

1. This paper contains FIVE (5) questions and comprises ONE (1) page.
2. Answer THREE (3) questions.
3. All questions carry equal marks.

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1. How has the work of Stephen Nicholas and Deborah Oxley altered the way the convicts are perceived by historians in the 1990s?

2. Explain how Henry Reynolds' publications in the 1970s and 1980s on the frontier conflict between Aborigines and Europeans challenged the long held assumption that Aborigines were passive victims of white domination.

3. Describe the post-frontier life of Aboriginal people and assess the problems that Bain Attwood suggests that historians have with oral history sources on this phase of European-Aboriginal relations.

4. Sean Brawley has asked the question, when did the White Australia Policy end, 1966 or 1973? Attempt to answer his question. Give reasons for your choice, and explain why such a question needs to be asked.

5. Glen Barclay has written that Australia saw its alliance with the United States during the Cold War as 'a very small insurance policy'. Elaborate on what he means, and critically assess the aptness of his description.

Monday, 30 March 1330-1600 (2 1/2 hours)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. This paper contains FIVE (5) questions and comprises ONE (1) page.
2. Answer THREE (3) questions.
3. All questions carry equal marks.

1. Critically assess Anne Summers' and Miriam Dixson's arguments on the foundations of patriarchy in Australia.

2. Evaluate the conclusion in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission's 1997 report 'Bringing Them Home' that the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their parents constituted an act of genocide.

3. John Hirst has suggested that in comparison with the Californian goldfields there was little racially motivated violence against the Chinese during the Australian gold rushes. Comment on Hirst's suggestion.

4. Using recently released cabinet documents, examine Coral Bell's thesis of Australia being a dependent ally during the 1960s.

5. Describe the impact of the 'people's history' approach to the writing of Australia's national past. What have been some of its consequences?