The 60s: Australia and the United States - HIST1015
 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History
 
 
Contact: 
Gray,Alicia Megan
Harris,Anthony John
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Session Offered: See Class Timetable
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 

Description


Examines the significance of the 1960s in Australian and American national life and explores the construction of the Sixties as an epoch in western history. After exploring the construction of the Sixties the course will examine a number of significant social and political themes which have characterised the period and compare and contrast the Australian and American experience. Themes include issues such as race and minorities, popular culture, civil protest, architecture, the war in Vietnam, student activism, the sexual revolution and the counter-culture. Concludes by examining the legacy of the Sixties for Australia and the United States.

Learning Outcomes


Generic Skills Students will:
  • Develop their ability to think critically and imaginatively, solve problems and make judgements
  • Develop the ability to compare societies and cultures in order to enhance understanding
  • Develop their ability to communicate their ideas effectively in both verbal and written form
  • Develop the ability to listen critically and share ideas through discussion
  • Develop an awareness of others interests and needs, and the ability to work collaboratively.
History Specific Skills Students will develop skills which will involve:
  • Understanding the discipline of history, including its methodological and philosophical underpinnings and its central place in a civil society and democratic culture
  • Understanding the role of evidence in historical debate
  • Understanding that the past can be examined through a wide range of forms including literature, photographs, television, art and memories
  • Understanding the role of interpretation in historical narrative
  • Understanding the concept of historiography and how it informs historical narrative and debate
  • Understanding the role of theory in historical explanation
  • Acquiring a historically informed mind.

Assessment


  • Reading exercise (1000-1200 words) - 30%
  • Essay (1600-2000 words) - 45%
  • Test - 15%
  • Class participation - 10%