Introduction

 "Those who do not know history are condemned to repeat its mistakes." Santayana:

This course centers on the development of settlement on the Australian continent with particular reference to:Aboriginal society; the reasons for Australian settlement, problems of governance, the emergence of a peculiar Australian community; the creation of a particular form of capitalism; and the development of a political culture.

Australia's present emerged from its historical past. The hopes, dreams, ambitions of our foremothers and fathers have shaped our consciousness and our concepts about this land as have their fears, denials and brutalities. Whilst this course cannot hope to make you an 'expert' in colonial history, it is hoped that it will help you come to grips with some of the problems and issues that Australians, both black and white, confronted, resolved or handed on to the present.

Expectations:

If you choose, this course can provide you with an incredibly interesting journey into our heritage. The expectation is that you will participate in it by your reading and reflection on the issues which are dealt with in each topic.

Your participation - and your ability to integrate your information in a formal manner will be tested by your assignment and tutorial work.

Assessment in this course is by way of assignment, exam and tutorials. You will need to know how to prepare and present an essay, and you can click here to access the CSU style guide. If you want some help with the kind of essay you are asked to write (comparative, argumentative, explanatory etc), click here. For general comments on essay writing see here.

If you need an extension, please make sure that you make contact.

Contact:

If you wish/need to contact me, I can be found by email at:  ewest@csu.edu.au  

Office hours are Wednesday 9-11. and Thursday 2-4, and my room number in Marchant Hall is 217.

Further details of contact/consultation times will be given you as term commences.