AustLit

A study of local history often serves to highlight in a more immediate way trends which are apparent at the national and international level. The unit focuses on key turning points in the history of Brisbane. It examines sources for and approaches to the study of Brisbane and district and then applies these ideas to selected case studies. Students engage in field research (archives, newspapers, interviews) on chosen topics and present their findings in a written paper.

Aims

Rationale

A study of local history often serves to highlight in a more immediate way trends which are apparent at the national and international level. The unit focuses on key turning points in the history of Brisbane. It examines sources for and approaches to the study of Brisbane and district and then applies these ideas to selected case studies. Students engage in field research (archives, newspapers, interviews) on chosen topics and present their findings in a written paper.

Aims

This unit is designed to provide you with an understanding of a number of social, cultural and political ideas, policies, and actions that have shaped the people of Brisbane.

More specifically, the lectures, videos, and printed material

* provides you with introductory level knowledge about the experiences of Brisbanites,

* introduces you to significant political and social debates that were (and frequently remain) relevant to Brisbane's residents and

* facilitates within you an appreciation of the changing nature of Brisbane culture and society.

The program of studies will particularly encourage you to reflect on your experiences.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to

1. acquire a general knowledge of a variety of sources and approaches to the study of Brisbane history.

2. demonstrate an understanding of key decisions/factors which shaped the course of Brisbane history in the Twentieth Century.

3. Display an ability to research selected topics in depth and present the findings of that investigation in a well-organised, originally-considered written paper.

4. Exhibit oral delivery and presentation skills in a tutorial setting.

Content

The unit examines the characteristics of Brisbanites in the past and the present. Some of the topics that are explored are our World War 2 experiences, floods, the radical element in our society and how the Commonwealth Games and Expo transformed our society. Surfers Paradise and Noosa representing the Gold and Sunshine Coasts provide an understanding of the importance of tourism. Our convict beginnings, separation and Federation offer an understanding of the historical background to the last 100 years. This unit examines Indigenous Brisbanites in a major lecture and elsewhere, more incidentally, in a number of the topics.