Australian History Unit 4: Foundations & Transformations

Prerequisites

Australian History Unit 3.

Course Description

In this unit, students investigate the continuing development of the nation in the second half of the twentieth century and the dramatic changes that occurred. After World War One the process of nation building was renewed. However, world events soon intruded again into the lives of all Australians. The economic crisis of the 1930s followed by another world war redirected the nation’s priorities for a time as it struggled to regain economic stability and defeat its military enemies. The experience of both the Depression and World War Two gave rise to renewed thinking by Australians about how to achieve the type of society envisaged at the time of Federation. In Area of Study 1 students focus on one of the crises faced by the nation: World War Two 1939–1945.

In Area of Study 2, students explore social, economic and political changes in the latter part of the twentieth century that collectively challenged and/or overturned much of Australia’s earlier carefully constructed social and economic fabric. Students examine two changes: Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and equality for women.

Areas of Study

What were the foundations of continuity and change in Australia?
How did significant individuals and movements demand and/or resist change?
How were Australians challenged over time by ideas and events?
To what extent were there continuities and changes in Australian society?
How did Australians influence and experience continuity and change?

Students explore significant moments in Australia’s history and consider the contributions of different individuals, groups and movements. They analyse a variety of diverse and competing perspectives and historical interpretations, and evaluate the actions and responses of those who advocated for, challenged and/or resisted change. These include the struggles over political rights and freedoms, shifting conceptions of who is an Australian, ways of thinking that were shaped by and responded to the environment and its management, and Australia’s engagement in global and regional conflict. Specifically, students at Carey will study the following option:

Power and resistance (1957–1998)

Students investigate how Australian democracy and society were challenged in the post-colonial world that emerged after 1945 and the extent to which these challenges were influenced by perspectives of, and events in, other nations. The end of World War Two saw increased challenges from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples claiming citizenship and land rights, struggles for improved workers’ rights and conditions, the push for women’s equality and demands for LGBTIQA+ rights. Over this time there was increasing awareness and acceptance of social movements and protests as a feature of Australian democracy.

Transformations

What were the motivations for seeking continuity and change in modern Australia?
How did significant individuals and movements demand and/or resist change?
How were Australians challenged over time by events and ideas?
To what extent were there continuities and changes in Australian society?
How did Australians influence and experience continuity and change?

In this area of study students focus on the extent to which Australia was transformed and changed by social, political and economic events, ideas, experiences and movements that took place after World War Two.

Students consider how long-term trends in Australian history continue to resonate and be contested in contemporary Australian society. They explore how perspectives towards the environment, debates about race, immigration, citizenship, civil rights and land rights, and questions about Australia’s participation in war and conflict, have changed or remained the same. They analyse a variety of diverse and competing perspectives, experiences and conditions of everyday life and consider how Australians were affected by, advocated for and challenged and/or resisted changes. Students evaluate the contested debates and historical interpretations about the extent of continuity and change, and the impact and depth of change, in Australian society in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Specifically, students at Carey will study the following option:

War and upheaval (1950–1992)

Students investigate Australia’s involvement and reasons for participation in post-World War Two conflicts and the subsequent debates arising from these conflicts. The changing reasons for Australia’s participation in conflicts was influenced by shifting alliances, fears of Communism, desires for regional security, concerns regarding terrorism and the evolving nature of enlistment and service in the military forces. Students consider the impacts of these conflicts on groups in Australian society and the differing ways in which Australians responded.

Assessment

Outcomes	Assessment Tasks	Marks Allocated
Outcomes	(school-assessed coursework)	Marks Allocated
Analyse the foundations of continuity and change in Australia, and evaluate the contribution of significant events, ideas, perspectives and experiences to continuity and change.	A historical inquiry	50
Analyse the changes in Australian society, and evaluate the extent to which continuity and change occurred.	Analysis of historical interpretations.	50
Total Marks		100

Overall Final Assessment

Graded Assessment	Title	Assessment	Exam Duration	Contribution to Study Score (%)
1	Unit 3 Coursework	School-assessed		25
2	Unit 4 Coursework	School-assessed		25
3	Written Examination	November	2 hours	50