Cirrus@Austlit

How do you develop research expertise on Australia and so contribute to informed debate about issues facing the nation? This topic enables students to draw on their experience of the Australian Studies major to pursue research on an issue of contemporary concern to Australia. Areas for research will be identified at the start of semester, and students will develop research and writing techniques over the semester to produce a position paper on a specific issue, suitable for presentation to government, other organisatons or industry. Research questions can be developed in relation to topics such as national identity, international relations, the environment, various social and political movements or issues and the media.

Objectives

1. Understanding of the ways in which a variety of disciplines can be drawn upon to understand Australia’s past and present

2. Comprehend the nature of Australian Studies as an interdisciplinary methodology

3. Ability to work within a student cohort to develop an understanding of the study of Australia