The extension of World War II to the Pacific Theatre in 1942 signalled a new era in the technology of war and profoundly shaped the modern history of the Asia Pacific region. This course is the first in the world to combine Allied, Japanese and Pacific Islander understandings of the Pacific War with particular attention to the South West Pacific. It complements the existing emphasis on the perspective from the United States and is distinctive in making ‘space’ for Islander experiences. Attention is divided equally between a narrative history of the events of conflict, and a multi-thematic consideration of the consequences and implications of World War II in the Islands. These legacies are addressed through issues as diverse as military technology and strategy, health and environment, Pacific Island lives and post-war political developments in the region. The course offers a fresh approach to a watershed in regional history, and should appeal to students in History, Peace and Conflict Studies, Pacific Studies, Asian Studies, Development Studies and International Relations.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key actors, events, locations, and interests in the Island theatre of the Pacific War and in its aftermath
2. Identify and describe distinct interpretations and representations of the Pacific War from Allied, Japanese and Pacific Islander standpoints
3. Critically examine a range of primary and secondary historical sources
4. Develop written and oral communication skills to clearly and confidently articulate historical arguments supported by research

Recommended Resources

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:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	War in the IslandsL1: IntroductionsL2: Approaches to Studying the War and the PacificTutorials Start in Week Two
2	A Global WarL3: Global and Regional ContextsL4: Pearl Harbor and Japan's Advance through the PacificT1: Perspectives	Assessment of class participation begins
3	Islanders at WarL5: National Heroes: Solomon Islands CoastwatchingL6: More National Heroes: Indigenous AgencyT2: Loyalty Versus Collaboration	Student-led Tutorials begin
4	Theatres of WarL7: The New Guinea CampaignL8: Angels of WarT3: Representing the War in PNG
5	Behind the LinesL9: Pacific IntelligenceL10: The Interned and DisplacedT4: Prisoners of War: Major Chint Singh	Primary Source Analysis (Monday 23 March)
6	The Realities of WarL11: Combatting DiseaseL12: Ending the WarT5: Debating Hiroshima and Nagasaki
7	The Occupation L13: Demilitarizing and Democratizing JapanL14: BCOF: The Original 'Bento Bogans'T6: Depicting the Occupation
8	Environmental ConsiderationsL15: How Pacific Environments Shaped the Course of WarL16: Mineral Scarcity and Security: Nickel and PhosphateT7: The Toll of War on Landscapes and Lived Environments	Biographical Exercise (Thursday 30 April)
9	A Gendered WarL17: Gender and the American ImpactL18: Screening: Senso DaughtersT8: Gendered Experiences of War
10	Japanese LegaciesL19: War TrialsL20: The East Asian History ProblemT9: Coming to Terms with the War in Japan
11	An Australian War?L21: Remembering Australia's Pacific WarL22: Screening: A Kokoda Track StoryT10: Kokoda and Australian Public Memory
12	Legacies and LessonsL23: The Post-War Pacific: 'Cargo Cults', Decolonization, Recolonization and NuclearizationL24: ConclusionT11: Class Test	In-Class Test (Wednesday 27 May)
13		Research Essay (Thursday 4 June)

Tutorial Registration

Through MyTimetable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Contribution to Class Discussion	10 %	*	*	1, 2, 4
Student-led Tutorial	10 %	*	*	1, 2, 4
Primary Source Analysis	15 %	23/03/2026	30/03/2023	2, 3, 4
Biographical Exercise	20 %	30/04/2026	14/05/2026	1, 2, 3, 4
In-Class Test	15 %	27/05/2026	10/06/2026	1, 2
Primary Source Research Essay	30 %	04/06/2026	18/06/2026	1, 2, 3, 4

* 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

A participation grade of 10% applies to this course (Assessment task 1). Students will be graded on their participation from Week Two onwards. A part-way participation mark will be posted on Canvas during the mid-semester break.

Examination(s)

There will be no formal examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Contribution to Class Discussion

You are expected to actively participate during in-class discussions. Your grade for this assessment will be based on the quality of your contributions to the in-class discussions and your understanding of the course readings throughout the semester (LO 1, 2, 4).

Assessment Task 2

Student-led Tutorial

Students are expected to choose one tutorial over the semester where they will take joint responsibility for introducing the tutorial topic and initiating class discussion. Working in small groups, the purpose of the task is to develop the ability to pinpoint and summarize key historical themes from a range of given texts and communicate ideas to others in an effective and logical way (LO 1, 2, 4).

Assessment Task 3

Primary Source Analysis

The Primary Source Exercise is due by 11.55 pm on Monday 23 March and should be submitted online through Turnitin. This assessment requires the student to produce a short, 600-word reflective analysis of an oral history interview from the online 'Voices from the War' oral history collection. The purpose of the assessment task is to develop each student’s ability to find and deploy relevant primary material from an online, archival repository, to critically engage with the subject matter by identifying broadly distinctive interpretations and representations of events or historical themes from different standpoints, and to place primary sources in their historical and interpretive contexts over the course of a well-supported and cogent personal response (LO 2, 3, 4). Both Word and PDF formats are acceptable. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 4

Biographical Exercise

The Biographical Exercise is due by 11:55 pm on Thursday 30 April and should be submitted online through Turnitin. This assessment item requires the student to identify a key historical figure from the Pacific War and prepare a short historical biography of 800 words about their life, imagining that the biography is destined for publication in a national dictionary of biography or other museum or war memorial setting. The biography should foreground their subject's contribution to or activities undertaken during the War and must be well-researched using a variety of sources, and accurately and consistently referenced (LO 1, 2, 3 ,4). You are strongly advised to consult with the course convener about your chosen historical figure before commencing the assignment. Both Word and PDF formats are acceptable. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 5

In-Class Test

The 45-minute, in-class test will be held in tutorial time on Wednesday 27 May (12:05-12:55pm) and will be conducted with pen and paper (unless appropriate applications for assessment adjustments have been made). The closed-book test will include a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions relating to material covered in lectures throughout the semester (LO 1, 2).

Assessment Task 6

Primary Source Research Essay

The Primary Source Research Essay is due by 11.55 pm on Thursday 4 June and should be submitted online through Turnitin. This assessment item requires the student to deploy knowledge gained over the course of the semester in a well-supported and cogent essay of 2,000 words (LO 1, 2 ,3 ,4). The student will choose a question from a given list or consult with the course convener to devise a viable essay question of their own choosing. The essay should draw from a wide range of primary sources which will be used to inform a coherent argument. Essays will be assessed on both the quality and depth of research, and the ability to communicate findings in a persuasive and well-argued response. Both Word and PDF formats are acceptable. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

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.

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 permitted. 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. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

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

Assignments will be returned within two weeks of the submission date with feedback attached. Students will receive written feedback on Assessment Task 3 prior to the census date.

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.

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