Australia in the 20th Century (HIST2247)

Course overview

Across the long twentieth century, Australian society and culture was transformed. There were dramatic, even spectacular events: Federation; the First World War; the expansion of cities and social worlds in the 1920; the travails caused by the Great Depression; the upheavals of the Second World War; new migrations from the 1950s onwards; the revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s; and much more. There were equally significant changes to the way people understood their world, to their thought systems and their beliefs. This course explores these and other events and developments in Australia since 1901, placing an emphasis on their impact on ordinary people and everyday life.
This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.

HIST2247 is designed to introduce students to some of the leading scholarship and debates in studies of Australian society and culture. We will also think about ways of writing history, its sources, methods and theories. Together we will explore a period of change and movement, and think about the ways Australia was altered across a tumultuous century, and the impact this has had on the ways we live now. Some of the major themes that run through the course include how national and international events and decisions impacted on everyday people's lives, and how they experienced and influenced the world around them.

Course requirements

Assumed background

There is no assumed background for this course.

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HIST7247

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Lecture recordings which will be available each week from soon after the lecture. These will be supplemented by PowerPointﾠpresentations and other material available on the Blackboard site. However, it is much better for everyone if people physically attend lectures where possible. Tutorials are assessed, and attendance is important for your learning and for your results.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to:

1) help you appreciate the different perspectives on the past offered by social, cultural and political history;

2) give you a good grasp of the key events, themes and developments in Australian history from 1901 to the present;

3) incite you to think about the relationship between Australian and global history;

4) prompt you to think about the relationship between individuals and the big sweep of history - between micro and macro views; and

5) encourage you to reflect on the relationship betweenﾠmemory and history, in large part by considering the pros and cons of using memoirs and oral histories as historical sources.

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Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Research Essay

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

50% 2000 words

Due date

23/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit through Turnitin via the course Blackboard pages

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 submissions are penalised at 10% of the maximum mark, per calendar day.

Take Home Exam

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

20%

Due date

13/06/2025 2:00 pm

Due Friday 13 June 2pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05, L06

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Submit through Turnitin

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Not unless there are compelling reasons such that would justify extension to a normal 2-3 hour centrally controled exam.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Late submissions will not be marked unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Op-Ed piece

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20% 750 words

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit through Turnitin via the course Blackboard pages

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 submissions are penalised at 10% of the maximum mark, per calendar day.

Tutorial Participation

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Participation/ Student contribution

Weight

10%

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word count does not include footnotes; however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.

Essay Assessment Criteria (History, Ancient History and Classics, Religious Studies

Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.             Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.

2.             Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.

3.             Ability to form a well-structured essay.

4.             Engagement with academic sources and evidence.

5.             Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.

6.             Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.

7.             Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75 – 84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate.

Op-Ed piece Assessment Criteria

Your op-ed will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1.    Ability to construct a well-defined, well-reasoned, and persuasive argument.

2.    Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.

3.    Critical engagement with academic sources and evidence.

4.    Clear and concise written expression, ability to communicate an argument effectively and in the form of an opinion piece, well presented.

5.    Provision of a bibliography using discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your op-ed should demonstrate that you have an exceptional and nuanced knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. Your argument should be clearly defined, sophisticated, and highly persuasive, demonstrating an exceptional level of critical engagement with primary and secondary source materials. Your writing will be very clear and concise and there will be minimal, if any, errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be highly appropriate for an opinion piece.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your op-ed should demonstrate that you have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. Your argument should be clearly defined and persuasive, demonstrating an advanced level of critical engagement with primary and secondary source materials. Your writing will be clear and concise and have few errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be appropriate for an op-ed piece.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your op-ed should demonstrate that you have a proficient knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. Your argument should be largely well-defined, demonstrating some critical engagement with primary and secondary source materials. Your writing will be largely clear and concise with few/some errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be largely appropriate for an op-ed piece.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%), your op-ed should demonstrate that you have a functional knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. Your argument will be reasonably well-defined, demonstrating a basic level of engagement with primary and secondary source materials. Your writing will be adequate with some errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be adequate for an op-ed piece.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), your op-ed should reflect a developing knowledge and understanding of the subject in question. Your argument, while underdeveloped, will have some definition, and demonstrate a superficial level of engagement with primary and secondary source materials. Your writing will be adequate, perhaps poor, with several errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be poor and/or inappropriate for an op-ed piece.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your op-ed will reflect an inadequate knowledge and understanding of concepts fundamental to the subject in question. Your argument will be unsupported and/or inappropriate and lacking in coherency. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. You writing will be poor with frequent errors of referencing, expression, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Your writing style and tone will be inappropriate for an op-ed piece.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your op-ed will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your op-ed will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of evidence, and lack of argumentation. Written expression and style will be poor or inappropriate.

Take-Home Exam Assessment Criteria 

Students will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1.        Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.

2.        Evidence of understanding of central issues.

3.        Ability to form a well-structured essay.

4.        Engagement with academic sources and evidence, as required.

5.        Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.

6.        Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax;  appropriately referenced if required.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your take-home exam essay should demonstrate an exceptional level of rigour in argumentation and understanding of issues, exceptional organization of material, extensive research, and insightful and creative discussion. The written expression and presentation should be excellent and follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your take-home exam essay should demonstrate an advanced level of rigour in argumentation and understanding of issues, very good organisation of material, wide research, and a capable synthesis of research materials. The written expression and presentation should be very good and follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your take-home exam essay should demonstrate a proficient level of rigour in argumentation and understanding of issues, good organization of material, a good level of research, and synthesis of research materials. The written expression and presentation should be good and largely follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your take-home exam essay should demonstrate a basic level argumentation, a fundamental understanding of issues, adequate organisation of material, a basic level of research, and an adequate synthesis of research materials. Your written expression and presentation should be satisfactory and follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your take-home exam essay will demonstrate that your attempt, while underdeveloped and falling short of a pass, shows your emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. Your argumentation and understanding of issues will be superficial, your material poorly organised and synthesis of research materials limited. Your written expression and presentation should be adequate and should attempt to follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your take-home exam essay will demonstrate that your argumentation and understanding of issues was deficient, that your research was limited and/or poorly organised and explained, and that you did not understand fundamental aspects of the course. Your writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and will not follow discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your take-home exam essay will demonstrate that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this assessment task. You will not have mounted sound arguments and/or understood relevant issues. Your research will be limited and inadequately explained. Your essay will be poorly organised and/or poorly written, and will not follow discipline conventions.

Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria 

Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.    Evidence of participation in discussions.

2.    Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.

3.    Quality of contributions to discussions.

4.    Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and     students.

5.    Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

• Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
• By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration:‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
• All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
• A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.ﾠWithout evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
• Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
• Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
• For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

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

Your essay and all other written assignmentsﾠmust be properly footnoted, with a bibliography attached at the end in the case of essays and essay proposals. Bracketed or 'in-text'ﾠmethods of referencing are not acceptable in History.ﾠ

History students at UQ are asked to footnote using Chicago 17 or 17A (the guide is on the Library website). I am not pedantic about one form or another, so if you are comfortable with one style of footnotes ﾠplease continue to use this. It simply needs to be consistent and give full information. Note that page numbers are essential!

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Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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.