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Australian History 1929 – 2000 is offered as an elective at Year 10. It takes a world history approach within which the history of Australia is taught. It does this in order to equip students for the world (local, regional and global) in which they live. An understanding of world history enhances students’ appreciation of Australian history. It helps students to appreciate Australia's distinctive path of social, economic and political development, its position in the Asia-Pacific region, and its global interrelationships. This knowledge and understanding are essential for informed and active participation in Australia's diverse society.

Curriculum focus

Students investigate how life changed in the period through the in-depth study of three aspects of Australian and World History.

World War II

Students investigate wartime experiences through a study of World War II in depth. This includes a study of the causes, events, outcome and broader impact of the conflict as an episode in world history, and the nature of Australia’s involvement.

Key aspects of this event to be covered are:

• an overview of the causes and course of World War II
• an examination of significant events of World War II, including the Holocaust and use of the atomic bomb
• the experiences of Australians during World War II (such as Prisoners of War (POWs), the Battle of Britain, Kokoda, the Fall of Singapore)
• the impact of World War II, with a particular emphasis on the Australian home front, including the changing roles of women and use of wartime government controls (conscription, manpower controls, rationing and censorship)
• the significance of World War II to Australia’s international relationships in the twentieth century, with particular reference to the United Nations, Britain, the USA and Asia.

Human Rights

Students investigate struggles for human rights in depth. This will include how rights and freedoms have been ignored, demanded or achieved in Australia and in the broader world context. Students will study:

• the origins and significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including Australia’s involvement in the development of the declaration
• the US civil rights movement and its influence on Australia
• the significance of the following for the civil rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: 1962 right to vote federally; 1967 Referendum; Reconciliation; Mabo decision; Bringing Them Home Report (the Stolen Generations), the Apology
• the continuing nature of efforts to secure civil rights and freedoms in Australia and throughout the world, such as the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007)

Popular Culture

Students will investigate discusses the major global influence of popular culture that has shaped Australian society in depth, including the development of the global influence during the twentieth century. This will cover:

• the nature of popular culture in Australia at the end of World War II, including music, film and sport.
• developments in popular culture in post-war Australia and their impact on society, including the introduction of television and rock ’n’ roll
• the changing nature of the music, film and television industry in Australia during the post-war period, including the influence of overseas developments (such as Hollywood)
• Australia’s contribution to international popular culture (music, film, television, sport).
• continuity and change in beliefs and values that have influenced the Australian way of life

Assessment

A combination of class and common assessments, which are taken periodically through the year, together with other tasks involving problem solving and investigation are used to determine grades. An examination is held at the end of each semester and tests the content and proficiencies learned throughout the semester.

Key Resource

Students will use a physical textbook with online access that needs to be purchased for use with this subject. Class sets of specific additional texts and online resources are provided.