CQUniversity Unit Profile
HIST13018 Australia on the World Stage: History and Politics
Australia on the World Stage: History and Politics
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The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will look at Australia and its place in a changing world. It begins with the human settlement of the Australian continent and its ‘international’ trade before 1788. You will then explore the impact of colonisation, the development of democratic institutions, and the emergence of a modern, multicultural nation. In the first half of the unit, you will consider key moments when Australia was on the world stage, such as the gold rushes, the Federation Movement, the world-leading women's rights movement, participation in the World Wars, and the failed republic campaign. In the second half of the unit, you will explore Australia's relationship with various nations. This unit challenges you to consider how Australia became the nation that it is today and how it has managed its relations with other countries. While this is a history unit, it also covers many topics in the arts including politics, geography, and international relations.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: Minimum of 18 credit points

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
3. Essay
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Unit Evaluations T1 2024

Feedback

Students enjoyed the guest lectures in this unit and the chance to hear from a variety of academic voices.

Recommendation

Continue to invite guest speakers and provide access to appropriate recorded lectures to give a variety of academic voices.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Develop a broad knowledge of Australian society, the impact of colonisation on First Nations Peoples, and Australia's evolving relationships with the United Kingdom, United States of America, and selected nations of the Asia-Pacific region
  2. Evaluate Australia's place in the world and its performance on the world stage from the eighteenth century till today
  3. Conduct independent historical research and present an argument in a formal essay about Australia's place in the world and historic relationship with another nation.

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
3 - Essay - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Australia on the World Stage: History, Politics, and International Relations

Edition: 1st (2022)
Authors: Bridget Brooklyn, Benjamin T. Jones, Rebecca Strating
Routledge
ISBN: 9781032117171

This book is available online through the CQU library. 

This book is available online through the CQU library. 

Additional Textbook Information

Students do NOT need to purchase a copy of the textbook unless they want to. The textbook is available online through the CQU library. 

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Turabian

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Benjamin Jones Unit Coordinator
b.t.jones@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and the world before 1788

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Please attend the weekly online lecture and tutorial on Tuesdays at 10am (Queensland time). 

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Australia as British colonies

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

The White Australia Policy

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Dominion to Almost Republic

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Australia's Relations with NZ and the Pacific

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Primary Source Analysis Due: Wednesday 16 April at 11:45 pm AEST


Primary Source Analysis Due: Vacation Week Wednesday (16 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and PNG

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and the USA

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and Indonesia

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and China

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and Japan

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Australia and the UN

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Essay Due on Friday 30 May at 11:45pm


Research Essay Due: Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Into the 21st Century: A Summary

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz opens Monday 2 June and closes Friday 6 June at 11:45pm. 


Online Quiz Due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Primary Source Analysis

Task Description

Primary sources are crucial to sound historical research. Overwhelmingly people read about figures from history rather than reading what those people actually said in their own words. In this task, you will choose one primary document and offer a sophisticated analysis.

Although the focus of this assessment is on a single primary source, you will be expected to conduct research to understand its broader context. A requirement of this task is that you consult at least four (4) tertiary-standard academic works of your own finding in addition to your study guide. This means a book chapter or peer-reviewed journal article. If unsure, consult the unit coordinator about suitability before including in your analysis.

The primary source analysis should be 1000 words in total (a 10% variation is acceptable). The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It includes quotes. It excludes the cover page, footnotes, and bibliography.

Your analysis should be set out like an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. It should answer all of the following questions:

• Who created this source and who was the intended audience?

• When was it created? What was going on in Australia and the world at the time?

• What was the significance of the source when it was made?

• Does the source contain bias or other limitations?

• How does this source contribute to our knowledge of the past?

Before submission, ensure that your analysis meets the assessment criteria listed below.

 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)


Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents is as follows:


•  Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions (see Moodle)


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Wednesday (16 Apr 2025) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit as a Word doc or docx via the Turnitin link on Moodle


Return Date to Students

Marks will be released within two weeks.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The analysis is marked in a similar style to essays drawing on the CREW principle. This stands for: Content, Research, and Essay Writing.

Content:

• presentation of accurate, relevant and unbiased historical evidence

• evidence that the source has been closely read and understood

• All five analysis questions have been addressed

Research (and referencing):

• evidence drawn primarily from scholarly texts

• acknowledgement of all sources of ideas/evidence (footnote) and any quotations (footnote and quote marks)

• correct use of the Turabian referencing style

Essay Writing:

• meeting the required number of words, the bulk of which should be own wording

• logical structure/organisation of ideas

• clear, concise and correct written English


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop a broad knowledge of Australian society, the impact of colonisation on First Nations Peoples, and Australia's evolving relationships with the United Kingdom, United States of America, and selected nations of the Asia-Pacific region
  • Evaluate Australia's place in the world and its performance on the world stage from the eighteenth century till today
  • Conduct independent historical research and present an argument in a formal essay about Australia's place in the world and historic relationship with another nation.

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz

Task Description

Through Moodle you will undertake a online quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions to test your understanding and knowledge of the unit content. The questions will be drawn from the lectures and the Study Guides. The quiz is comprised of true/false questions, one or two word responses, and multi-choice questions with four options. The quiz must be completed within 90 minutes and on the first attempt. 

 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)


Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents is as follows:


•  Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions (see Moodle)


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:45 pm AEST

Online Quiz opens Monday 2 June and closes Friday 6 June at 11:45pm.


Return Date to Students

Your mark will be available immediately.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

No Assessment Criteria


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop a broad knowledge of Australian society, the impact of colonisation on First Nations Peoples, and Australia's evolving relationships with the United Kingdom, United States of America, and selected nations of the Asia-Pacific region

3 Essay

Assessment Title
Research Essay

Task Description

You must select ONE (1) of the questions on Moodle and answer it in an essay of 2,000 words (10% variation is acceptable). 

References and bibliography must be included in the Turabian referencing style. Please read the instructions carefully and consult the essay-writing and referencing guides provided on the Moodle website.

CQUni Library holds a range of Australian history books and there are additional resources in the Digital Readings (DRs) on Moodle. You should also search the CQUni Library databases for relevant scholarly articles on the topic of your choice. Only use articles from peer-reviewed journals or other reputable academic sources, and be sure to provide accurate citations (footnotes). You are expected to consult a minimum of six (6) tertiary-standard academic books and/or journal articles in the preparation of the research essay. In order to pass, your essay most show clear evidence that you have read, used, and correctly cited sources from the CQU library in addition to the book Australia on the World Stage and materials. 

 

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)


Within this assessment, the use of Gen AI agents is as follows:


•  Gen AI may only be used as specified in the assignment instructions (see Moodle)

Before submission, ensure that your research essay meets the assessment criteria listed below.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 11:45 pm AEST

Submit as a Word doc or docx via the Turnitin link on Moodle


Return Date to Students

Essays will be marked and returned within two weeks of receipt by the Unit Coordinator.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

The essays are marked on three principle criteria that can be summarised as CREW. This stands for: Content, Research, and Essay Writing.

Content:

• presentation of accurate, relevant and unbiased historical evidence

• evidence that the relevant(s) lecture has been listened to

Research (and referencing):

• evidence drawn primarily from scholarly texts

• acknowledgement of all sources of ideas/evidence (footnote) and any quotations

(footnote and quote marks)

• correct use of the Turabian referencing style

Essay Writing:

• meeting the required number of words, the bulk of which should be own wording

• logical structure/organisation of ideas

• clear, concise and correct written English

• presentation in formal essay style and layout


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop a broad knowledge of Australian society, the impact of colonisation on First Nations Peoples, and Australia's evolving relationships with the United Kingdom, United States of America, and selected nations of the Asia-Pacific region
  • Evaluate Australia's place in the world and its performance on the world stage from the eighteenth century till today
  • Conduct independent historical research and present an argument in a formal essay about Australia's place in the world and historic relationship with another nation.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?