Australian History Unit 4: Transformations

Prerequisites

Australian History Unit 3.

Course Description

Transformations

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.

Areas of Study

Unit 3 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.

Unit 4 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.

Assessment

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the changes in Australian society, and evaluate the extent to which continuity and change occurred.

To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area
of Study 2.

Contribution to final assessment

School-assessed Coursework for Unit 4 will contribute 25 per cent to the study score.

Outcomes	Marks allocated	Assessment tasks
Unit 4 Outcome 1 Analyse the foundations of continuity and change in Australia, and evaluate the contribution of significant events, ideas, perspectives and experiences to continuity and change.	50	Each of the following four assessment tasks must be completed over Units 3 and 4: •      a historical inquiry •      evaluation of historical sources •      extended responses •      an essay. Teachers may choose to select one or more assessment tasks for each outcome. The assessment tasks may be undertaken in any order.
Outcome 2 Analyse the changes in Australian society, and evaluate the extent to which continuity and change occurred.	50
Total marks	100

 

Overall Final Assessment

External assessment

The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination, which will contribute 50 per cent to the study score.

End of year examination

The examination will be set by a panel appointed by the VCAA. All the key knowledge and key skills that underpin the outcomes in Units 3 and 4 are examinable.