Cirrus@Austlit

What symbols and landmarks identify and embody Australia? How have Uluru and the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Barrier Reef, Anzac and vegemite evolved as cultural icons and what do they tell us about Australian history and identity? This unit explores contemporary Australia through its films, literature, sport, myths, heroes and history. Organised around the themes of Land, Nation and People, it focuses on the making of national/gender/racial identity, white Australians reckoning with Indigenous culture and our changing relationship with the world and the region. It includes an excursion to the iconic landscape of the Rocks in central Sydney and/or a tour of the 'Aussie Outback'.

Objectives

To develop students' understanding of the historical and cultural processes impacting upon various aspects of contemporary Australia.

To employ fieldwork, film and media analysis, and a range of relevant sources within the field of Australian Studies in gaining insight into past and current events that have shaped contemporary Australia.

To think, discuss and write critically about the issues that effect Australian politics, culture and society.

To develop students' independent research and presentation skills on related subjects.