Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST531
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
War has played a key role in shaping Australian history in the 20th century. This unit allows you to examine various aspects of Australian history using war and its effects as the touchstone.
Beginning with the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, when Australia was at war in South Africa (the Boer War, 1899-1902), you will study the Great War (1914-18), WWII (1939-45), the Korean War (1950-53), the Vietnam War (1965-72) as well as more recent conflicts.
Major themes include the gendered nature of warfare, the impact of volunteer labour during war, how war has affected certain groups in Australian society, the mythologies of war and how they are personified and the remembering of war through institutional events such as Anzac Day (25 April), Remembrance Day (11 November) and war memorials.
As such, you will develop an advanced knowledge of major issues surrounding the history of war and Australian society in the 20th century.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
offered in odd-numbered years
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an expert knowledge of major issues surrounding the history of war and Australian society in the 20th Century;
- apply high level critical thinking skills and independent judgement to interpret and assess a variety of historical sources and ask questions about their history;
- locate and critically evaluate a variety of historical sources;
- identify and critically analyse historiographical problems in 20th Century Australian history; and
- apply advanced-level historical knowledge of Australia and war to understand and evaluate present day issues and problems associated with war.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Biographical Study No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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