Humanities - History
1251 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILISATIONS
This unit examines the history of Christianity within the context of world civilisations. It provides a general survey of the history of the world from the rise of the Greek and Roman Empires to the present day, with emphasis on the rise of Christianity in the Greco-Roman world, the Renaissance and Reformation periods, and explores the role of religion in modern historical events. Primary sources of the Church Fathers and Reformers, philosophical and religious thought development, and the historical context of Christianity in Australia are considered.
5207 EUROPE SINCE 1900
This unit examines many changes and major developments in Europe in the 20th century. It provides an overview of the topics listed below, including Christian perspectives, and special emphasis on selected topics.
Part A: Background to 20th century Europe, including the significance of the French Revolution; causes of the First World War; social and economic effects of the First World War; the peace settlements; the 1917 Russian Revolution and the aftermath; the USSR and Stalinism; the Weimar Republic; the rise of fascism; the Depression; Nazis in power in Germany; UK perspective on the road to war; and the course of the Second World War.
Part B: The Cold War (1946-1989); post-war economic and social changes; post-colonial conflicts affecting Europe; USSR after Stalin; causes of the dissolution of the Communist Bloc; the formation of the European Union; background to, and influence of, the revival of nationalism; economic trends and the problem of inflation; changes in the role and status of women; and changing values, opportunities and expectations – political, educational, cultural and religious.
5208 THEMES IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY
This unit provides an overview of Australian history from the first European settlement until the present day and more focussed study on selected themes. Topics include: Aboriginal society and culture; the convict settlement at Botany Bay; subsequent early European settlement in Australia; relationships between European settlers and Aborigines; the discovery of mineral deposits and the effect of this on colonial life; the development of social, economic and political structures in Australia; social classes in Australia; minority groups; development of education and health services; religious history; migration and multicultural Australia; political developments and trends; and international relationships. Students will have the opportunity to explore selected issues in depth.
6332 THEORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY
This unit develops the student’s understanding of historical investigation, analysis and interpretation. Topics include: traditional history and historical evidence – varieties of evidence and problems of interpretation; sources of history, e.g. different sorts of texts and documents, historical forms – narratives, stories, facts, fictions and imaginations; the importance of language in understanding the historical process; the place of oral history and traditions; the development of historical writing; recording and interpretation of historical data, and the effects of prejudices, and social and cultural assumptions and attitudes; scientific and other methods and approaches to the study of history and their proponents; the nature and implications of a postmodern approach to the study of history; gender and history; and Christian perspectives on the above.
