Course coordinator
Dr Melanie Saward
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course explores key issues and debates in understanding Australia as a nation, a culture and a society. Topics examine the forces shaping contemporary Australia and their historical context. The course is designed for both local and international students.
AUST1000 is an interdisciplinary course, just as Australian Studies is an interdisciplinary field. Students will be introduced to recent developments in the fields of media/cultural studies, literature, history, politics, Indigenous studies and gender studies. A range of cultural texts including film, television, print media and advertisements will be used to develop the key concepts of the course.
What makes Australia distinctive as a nation, a culture, and a society? What does it share with other comparable nations, as a 'white settler' or 'post-colonial' or 'immigrant' nation? How are Australian identities or loyalties created and communicated? How do Australians define their country and themselves?
This course is intended as a general introduction to Australia and to Australian Studies for both local and international students. It is responsive to current debates, exploring the forces shaping contemporary Australia and analysing their historical formation. AUST1000 is particularly concerned with examining the social and cultural issues that have been associated with the ways that images or interpretations of Australia and Australian identity are defined and debated. It will give students the chance to explore topics through a range of mediums such as art, music, literature, film, journalism etc.
This course takes a First Nations First approach in which the perspectives and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is where every topic will start from, and readings, resources, and lessons will always include Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives. This will help us to challenge stereotypes and narratives which have marginalised First Nations voices as well as give you a chance to engage with many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, perspectives, art, and culture. and will examine topics such as: colonisation, national identity , questions of equality, war and commemoration in Australia, immigration and multiculturalism, gender and sexuality, politics and art, land and environment, and the nature of Australian culture.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No previous study relating to Australia is necessary for the successful completion of this course.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
AUST6100
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Melanie Saward
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to develop an understanding of contemporary Australia,ﾠits people and its history through a range of themes, which are explored across the semester.ﾠﾠ
Key questions include:
- What are the most prominent and pervasive images or definitions of Australia as a nation, society and culture?
- Where do such images or ideas come from?ﾠ How do they circulate throughout society?ﾠ How and why are they influential?ﾠ Whose definition of Australia carries weight or makes a difference in the public sphere?
- What issues are controversial for contemporary Australia?
- How is a sense of national identity developed or challenged?
- What role have race and ethnicity played in debates about Australian identity?
- What role have gender and class played in debates about Australian identity?
- How have the land and environment shaped ideas about Australian identity?
- How does Australia define its place in the world?
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of the central issues affecting contemporary understandings of Australia as a nation
LO2.
Be able to compare, contrast, and analyse a range of different perspectives on current debates about Australian society and culture
LO3.
Be able to make links between individual identities and national identities
LO4.
Show reasonable knowledge of the historical context of current issues and recognise ways in which history is re-interpreted to meet contemporary needs
LO5.
Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and methods important to the field of Australian Studies
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Media opinion piece and letters
|
35% 1000 words |
1/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Creative Response and rationale
|
20% Pass/Fail |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Exhibition concept and rationale
|
45% 2200 words maximum |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Media opinion piece and letters
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35% 1000 words
- Due date
1/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Write a media 'opinion piece' on an issue related to nation/national identity (800 words) and two letters of response (100 words each).
You may choose any relevant issue but it must link to understandings of nation with particular focus on what you have learnt in the first four weeks of the course. Examples include, but are not limited to: Terra Nullius, national identity, land, asylum seeker policy, immigration, rural/urban divide, etc.
Opinion pieces are persuasive pieces of writing commonly found in newspapers. They put forward the position of an individual on a particular issue. While they express a strong opinion, they use evidence and data to support the position taken. They also consider alternative views and refute them. Opinion pieces will often offer a solution. Your opinion piece will need to support claims by drawing on academic sources and reference material such as news articles to demonstrate your understanding of the issue and to support your argument.
Your opinion piece should have a headline, and you should consider the type of newspaper in which your editorial piece will appear.
We will examine some example editorial pieces and letters to the editor in seminars and in readings. This will enable you to familiarise yourself with the style.
Further details about this assessment will be available on Blackboard and discussed in seminars.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Creative Response and rationale
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% Pass/Fail
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Students are required to visit an exhibition of Australian art. This can be an exhibition at one of the various museums on campus or a gallery in your local area. Following the visit, students will create a creative response to the exhibition and/or its themes.
Creative Response Options:
Students may choose one of the following modes for their creative response:
- A five-minute podcast
- A piece of visual art
- A piece of creative writing
If you wish to explore a different medium, please discuss your idea with your tutor for approval.
Rationale:
Alongside your creative response, you must submit a 200-300 word rationale. This rationale should explain:
- Why you chose this particular exhibition
- Why you selected the specific medium for your response
- What your creative work aims to convey
Support and Examples:
Throughout the semester, seminars will include examples of creative responses and discussions on various galleries and exhibitions to help inspire and guide your work. Further details about this assessment will be available on Blackboard and discussed in seminars.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Exhibition concept and rationale
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 45% 2200 words maximum
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Assignment three: Exhibition concept and rationale
Task Overview: You have been asked to curate an exhibition that provides a multidimensional narrative about contemporary Australia. Your exhibition should avoid reproducing tired clichés and stereotypes about Australian identity. It does not need to be a 'positive' or celebratory representation of the nation. Instead, it should present Australia in new ways, exploring different aspects of the country based on what you have learnt in this course.
Exhibition Requirements:
- Items: Your exhibition will consist of eight to ten items.
- Topics: Address at least five of the following topics from the course:
- Indigenous issues
- Land and nation
- Immigration
- Multiculturalism
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Gender and sexuality (including LGBTQIA+)
- Cultural Cringe
Media:
- Items should encompass a range of different media, such as:
- Visual material: paintings, cartoons, street art, photographs, films, TV programs, music videos
- Textual material: poems, songs, book excerpts, articles, posters
- Be creative! Ensure each item provides a credible representation of contemporary Australia.
Captions and References:
- Each item must be accompanied by a short explanation/caption of approximately 50-70 words.
- Include references for each item (minimum of 1 academic, peer-reviewed reference).
Rationale:
- In addition, submit a 1300-1500 word rationale in essay format.
- The rationale should contextualise your choice of exhibition items and explain what understandings of nation/national identity are conveyed by your items.
As this assignment asks you to respond personally and creatively, students are not permitted to use AI to complete any part of this piece. This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The SS&H library runs information sessions early in the semester. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you attend one if you haven't already done so. International students will find them especially useful as a way of becoming familiar with how to use the research resources provided by UQ.
Expectations and obligations
You are expected to actively investigate the AUST1000 Blackboard site (log in at https://learn.uq.edu.au/), which you will gain access to when you enrol. You need to be able to download, print off, and read portable document format (.pdf), and document format (.doc/.docx) files from the AUST1000 Blackboard site in advance of the weekly seminars. You are also expected to upload assessment items to the Blackboard site. You must ensure that you have reliable access to email, and you will need to check for messages regularly. If you use a non-UQ-student email client, please ensure that you have set it up to receive any email sent to your student account. Your student email is the ONLY means of communication the teaching staff has for you; it is in your own interest to check it regularly.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 1: Terra Nullius? What was here first? In this first week of class we'll be not only looking at course requirements and assessment but exploring the concept of Terra Nullius and what was here first. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 2: National Identity This week we will be examining approaches to understanding nations and national identity. We ask how has Australian identity typically been defined and how is it changing? |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 3: Reading week Work on your thesis statements for your assignment one. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Multiculturalism This week we will be discussing Australia's "multicultural" identity. We'll be talking about immigration and refugees. After this week you'll be able to get a start on your own creative responses. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Seminar |
Week 5: Creative responses This week we'll be looking at creative responses to a number of contemporary Australian issues and discuss the creative response assignment. |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 6: NO SEMINAR Reading week this week. Work on your creative assessment and get started on your opinion piece. |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 7: Land This week we'll be looking at the Australian relationship to land. This includes:
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Seminar |
Week 8: Gender and sexuality This week we'll be talking about gender and sexuality in Australia. |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK No classes |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Seminar |
Week 9: UQ Anthropology museum This week in preparation for our Exhibition assessment, we'll be visiting the UQ anthropology museum. This may also help with your creative response assessment. |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Seminar |
Week 10: Fryer Library This week in preparation for our Exhibition assessment, we'll be visiting the UQ anthropology museum. This may also help with your creative response assessment. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Seminar |
Week 11: Politics Let's talk about Australian politics. We're in an election year so there's a lot to look at. |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Seminar |
Week 12: Assignment revision week This week we'll be getting together to work on our assignments in a collegial enviornment. This is also a good chance for you to ask your tutor any questions you may have ahead of submission. |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.