爆料王

Unit outline_

HSTY2677: Being Australian

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

What events and forces brought the nation of Australia into being and what historical legacies will direct our future? This unit focusses on key moments of struggle over what 鈥楢ustralia鈥 means and what it means to be Australian. Topics may include: imperial expansion and the colonial frontier; race relations and British race patriotism, Indigenous resistance and the White Australia policy; battles over land and labour; refugee and border protection; engagement with the Asia-Pacific; economic revolutions; protest movements and state formation. We will explore the ceaseless debate about government, community, history and identity that helps shape a collective and individual consciousness.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 1000 level in History or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Ancient History
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator James Curran, james.b.curran@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Tutorial Participation
Marks are awarded for your contributions to discussion in tutorials throughout semester.
10% Ongoing n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Test
NA
0% Week 03
Due date: 17 Aug 2026 at 23:59
short quiz AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Research analysis Short essay
See Canvas for details
30% Week 06
Due date: 07 Sep 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Sep 2026
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Research analysis Essay
See Canvas for details.
60% Week 13
Due date: 02 Nov 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 02 Dec 2026
3000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

You are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

Assessment criteria

Interpretation of Grades (History)

This Guide indicates broadly the qualitative judgements implied by the various grades which may be awarded. A more precise evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of individual essays will be provided in examiners' comments. Evaluation is made with due consideration of the different standards likely to be achieved by Junior and Senior students.

High Distinction (85%+)
Work of exceptional standard.
Written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and reading, pointed and critical analysis of material, innovative interpretation of evidence, makes an insightful contribution to historical debate, engages with values, assumptions and contested meanings contained within original evidence, develops abstract or theoretical arguments on the strength of detailed historical research and interpretation. Properly documented; writing characterised by creativity, style and precision.

Distinction (75-84%)
Work of a superior standard.
Written work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes good attempt to 'get behind' the evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to historical argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the principles and values underlying the unit. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity and some creativity.

High Credit (70-74%)
Highly competent work, demonstrating clear capacity to complete Honours successfully.
Evidence of extensive reading and initiative in research, sound grasp of subject matter and appreciation of key issues and context. Engages critically and creatively with the question, and attempts an analytical evaluation of material. Makes a good attempt to critique various historical interpretations, and offers a pointed and thoughtful contribution to an existing historical debate. Some evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, and to conceptualise and problematise issues in historical terms. Well written and documented.

Low Credit (65-69%)
Competent work, demonstrating potential to complete Honours work, though further development needed to do so successfully.
Written work contains evidence of comprehensive reading, offers synthesis and critical evaluation of material on its own terms, takes a position in relation to various interpretations. In addition, it shows some extra spark of insight or analysis. Demonstrates understanding of broad historical significance, good selection of evidence, coherent and sustainable argument, some evidence of independent thought, grasp of relevant historiography.

High Pass (60-64%)
Work of considerable merit, though Honours is not automatically recommended.
Written work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of the subject matter and some sense of its broader significance, offers synthesis and some evaluation of material, demonstrates an effort to go beyond the essential reading, contains clear focus on the principal issues, understanding of relevant arguments and diverse interpretations, and a coherent argument grounded in relevant evidence, though there may be some weaknesses of clarify or structure. Articulate, properly documented.

Medium Pass (55-59%)
Work of a satisfactory standard.
Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading and research, and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter. Offers a synthesis of relevant material and shows a genuine effort to avoid paraphrasing, has a logical and comprehensible structure and acceptable documentation, and attempts to mount an argument, though there may be weaknesses in particular areas.

Low Pass (50-54%)
Work of an acceptable standard.
Written work contains evidence of minimal reading and some understanding of subject matter, offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question, but may have a tendency to paraphrase; makes a reasonable attempt to organise material logically and comprehensibly and to provide scholarly documentation. There may be gaps in any or all of these areas.

Fail (Below 50%)
Work not of an acceptable standard.
Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: lack of sufficient research using appropriate sources; irrelevance of content; failure to answer the specific question or treat the specified theme; irrelevance of content; wholesale lack of analysis or interpretation; unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; presentation, grammar or structure so sloppy that work cannot be understood; very late submission without an extension.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the聽Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalty Rate: 5% per calendar day.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website聽provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the聽Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)聽which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥 The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,聽聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. An 'explosive and pungent beginning'; 2. The Australian political tradition Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 1. Britishness in Australia; 2. Australian liberalism Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Australian Political Culture: problems and perspectives Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 1. CH Pearson鈥檚 National Life and Character; 2. Socialisme sans doctrines Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
A New Britannia Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 1. WK Hancock鈥檚 Australia; 2. The Conscription crisis (Part 1) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
CH Pearson: Professor of Democracy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 1. The Conscription crisis (Part 2); 2. The Great Depression: the rise of Communism and the 鈥淣ew Guard鈥 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Ideology in Australian politics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 1. Curtin: the pacifist as wartime leader; 2. Menzies, the 鈥楩orgotten People鈥 and the 1950s Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
The Essay Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 07 1. Abandoned Britons: the end of Empire; 2. Australia鈥檚 鈥楴ew Nationalism鈥 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Political ideas, cultural fears Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 1. Quiet trauma: The end of White Australia; 2. The Whitlam/Fraser consensus Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
The Unknown Nation? Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 1. Rediscovering Asia? 2. Remembering the Aborigines Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Monoculture to multiculture Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 1. Blokey boorfest? Women and the nation; 2. Rise and demise of the Republic Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
The Great Australian silence Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 The Anzac revival, 1980-2015 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Republicanism and Sentimental Nationalism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 1. Economic rationalism and consensus politics 2. Reflections Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Neoliberalism consensus? Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner鈥檚 Board. The Examiner鈥檚 Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.

  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours鈥 preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop expertise in 20th Century Australian history
  • LO2. critically think about the problem of nationalism
  • LO3. develop the ability to ask new questions about the Australian experience in a global context
  • LO4. develop skills in research and essay writing.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Weekly lecture and tutorial topics have been updated and refreshed. A take-home exam has been included as part of the assessment (weighing 30%), while the two essays have been shortened to reflect their reduced weight respectively. This is a reversal to the format in 2019 and 2021.

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .