Cirrus@Austlit

What kind of place is Australia? And what kind of place should it be? This introductory subject, taught by a team of experts, examines the issues that make the Australian nation a contested place. The subject challenges students to engage with some of the key debates that have shaped the nation, and equips students with the skills to examine, research and thus understand these issues in depth. Key issues and topics covered may include such matters as immigration and multiculturalism, Indigenous and race-based issues, gender and sexuality, class and social status, the environment and war.

Objectives

1. Understanding of the key issues in Australian public life today

2. Ability to work with a variety of disciplines to develop an understanding these key issues

3. Comprehend how and why contested understandings of Australian issues arise and play out in public debates