This course examines Australian politics from a historical perspective, starting at the beginnings of colonisation and extending to the present day. It asks, how does history make sense of our political challenges of today? It explores the foundation and working of democracy, the party system, and the relationship of politics to broader transformations in society. The first part follows a chronological structure, while the second examines a range of themes including Indigenous politics, gender and sexuality, the environment, and the media. The aim is to provide students with a historical grounding in the main political trends, personalities, and ideologies since 1788.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain the origins and development of institutions, practices and ideologies in Australian politics;
2. identify change and continuity in Australian politics across more than two centuries;
3. analyse the relationship between political stability and change, and broader transformations in Australian society and culture;
4. appreciate the capacity of historical approaches to generate insights into the political past and present;
5. locate and interpret primary sources, and use them in constructing coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers; and,
6. locate and evaluate secondary authorities, and use them to construct coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers.

Research-Led Teaching

Students are expected to undertake research in the primary sources for their assignments.

Field Trips

There will be a visit to the Australian Museum of Democracy in place of the lecture in week 5

Additional Course Costs

None.

Examination Material or equipment

None.

Required Resources

Internet connection.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

·        Informal feedback in tutorials and lectorials

·        Informal feedback in individual consultations and meetings

·        Informal feedback on Canvas or via email

·        Formal comments on assignments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

• History requires that your essays footnote all references and summarise these references in a bibliography. Please do not use in-text/Harvard-style referencing. References should follow Chicago style. Guidance in Chicago style referencing is widely available online: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT to write your assignments is strictly prohibited. Students who breach Academic Integrity rules through the use of AI not only risk receiving a Fail in this course but can, in some instances, be excluded from the university entirely, with a permanent stain on their academic record.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to Australian political history: history of politics, history as politics
2	First Nations and Settler Sovereignties
3	Making settler democracy
4	Politicians, Bureaucrats and Diplomats
5	Visit to Australian Museum of Democracy	Visit to Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House in place of usual lecture. Details to be announced.First in-class quiz
6	The Australian Settlement
7	Environmental Politics
8	Gender and Politics
9	Politicians, Bureaucrats and Diplomats
10	Changing Australia: the coming of the 1970s	Second In-class quiz
11	Reinventing Australia
12	Kevin07 to today	Assignment due(Final Paper: 3000 words)

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation	10 %	1,2,3
In-class Quiz 1	20 %	1,2,3,4,5
In-class Quiz 2	20 %	1,2,3,4,5
Final Paper	50 %	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Value: 10%

You are expected to attend all 12 tutorials. You will be marked at the end of the semester according to your knowledge, understanding and analytical ability, as demonstrated by the quality of your contributions to tutorial discussion throughout the semester. You will be expected to play a leading role in ONE tutorial through additional preparation.

Examination(s)

None.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation

Value: 10%

Details of task: You are expected to attend all 12 tutorials. You will be marked at the end of the semester according to your knowledge, understanding and analytical ability, as demonstrated by the quality of your contributions to tutorial discussion throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 2

In-class Quiz 1

In-class Quiz 1

Name of Assessment Task: In-class Quiz

This in-class quiz will be based on the lectures, readings and tutorials of previous weeks. It should not require additional preparation beyond engaging with the course materials. It will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Students will be given 40 minutes during their normal tutorial to complete the quiz.

It will be hand-written. Paper will be provided.

Assessment Task 3

In-class Quiz 2

In-class Quiz 1

Name of Assessment Task: In-class Quiz

This in-class quiz will be based on the lectures, readings and tutorials of previous weeks. It should not require additional preparation beyond engaging with the course materials. It will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Students will be given 40 minutes during their normal tutorial to complete the quiz.

It will be hand-written. Paper will be provided.

Assessment Task 4

Final Paper

Details of Task:

Word limit: 3000

Value: 50%

Presentation requirements: essay form including footnotes and bibliography. Sub-headings and sections are permitted where appropriate. Please upload your essay in Word.12-point type and double spacing. Please ensure the question you are answering as well as your name and student number are included at the beginning of the paper.

Due: 11.59p.m., Thursday 29 October 2026

Questions

Choose ONE of the following:

1.        Choose AT LEAST TWO memorials/monuments/statues that commemorate any aspects of Australian politics and explain what they can disclose about the nation’s political history and how it has been remembered.

 

2.        Examine AT LEAST ONE type of popular music as it has related to Australian political history. Examples might include folk; country and western; folk rock; punk; rock; rap; hip-hop; First Nations.

 

3.        You are leading a team with a commission to design a new national curriculum for civics education in Australia for students in the middle high school years (Years 9 and 10). Write a discussion paper for government setting out your case for what it should include and why.

 

4.        Compare the 2025 federal election campaign to ONE other election campaign in the period 1972-2007. What can such a comparison tell us about changes in Australian politics?

 

5.        Imagine it is an important anniversary of an historical political event this year. Set out a plan for a museum exhibition in the Museum of Australian Democracy designed to mark that event and explain its significance to museum visitors. Your account should include examples of stories, documents, photographs and objects.

 

6.        Could a Trump-like ‘strongman’ gain election as Prime Minister of Australia? Explain why, or why not. 

 

7.        How did Robodebt happen and what was its significance? Explain by reference to the history of politics, policy, bureaucracy and media from the 1980s to the 2010s.

 

8.        Choose a rights-based political movement (animal rights, queer rights, disabled rights etc.). Examine the various strategies and arguments of this group and how they have changed over time.

 

9.        Develop a project in consultation with your tutor. Please ensure you have their agreement before commencing.

Assessment Criteria

• How relevant, focused and persuasive is the argument?
• Is your reading/research broad and appropriate to the question?
• How well have you made connections between topics?
• Does your paper suggest a consistent engagement with the course content?
• How well have you used primary sources?
• Is the paper factually accurate?
• Is there an appropriate introduction?
• Is there an appropriate conclusion?
• Is the structure of your paper logical and coherent?
• Have you used correct paragraphing, syntax, punctuation, grammar and spelling?
• Is your referencing consistent, accurate and informative?
• Is your bibliography consistent, accurate and informative?
• How well is your assignment presented overall?

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Do not use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the writing of assignments in this course. Academic work produced in this way is not your own, debases historical enquiry, creativity and expression, and will likely contain factual inaccuracies and poor interpretation. Using Generative AI to write assignments in a course such as this one is a form of plagiarism and where detected, it will be treated accordingly.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Via Canvas.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unavailable.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students