Explore the events, challenges, conflicts and transformations that shaped modern Australia!
This Elective subject takes a world history approach to deepen students’ understanding of Australia’s past within the broader global context of the 20th Century. From the Great Depression to the Sydney Olympics, students examine the social, economic, and political developments that defined Australia’s place in the world.
By studying key moments such as Australia’s role in World War 2, post-war political shifts and social movements including human rights and popular culture, students gain insights into the nation’s evolving identity and its interconnectedness with the world.
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to engage with contemporary Australian society and global affairs. It provides a strong foundation for further studies in History, Economics, Politics and Geography, while fostering an informed perspective on the world in which we live.
Students investigate how life changed in the period under investigation through the in-depth study of three aspects of Australian and World History.
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.
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) and 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)
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
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. Key tasks for all History based subjects are a source-based analysis, an essay, historical investigation and extended responses. An examination is held at the end of the semester and tests the content and proficiencies learned throughout the semester.
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Students will use a physical textbook with online access that will be purchased for use with this subject. Class sets of specific additional texts and online resources are provided.