Students

MHIX114 – The World Since 1945: An Australian Perspective

2016 – SP3 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Tutor
Nicholas Irving
Contact via iLearn Dialogue
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Lorna Barrow
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines one of the most dynamic periods in human history, and some of the major global forces that have influenced Australian society since World War II. The unit interprets the effects of decolonisation, globalisation and neoliberalism on Australian politics and culture. Beginning with post-war reconstruction and the advent of the Cold War, we explore colonial rebellions and wars of national liberation as well as 'peaceful' transitions of power in the developing world; the experience of the 1960s in the first world and the end of the 'First Cold War'; the advent of neoliberal policies under Thatcher and Reagan and the impact of globalisation in the 1980s; the end of the Cold War; and the foreign policy of Ronald Reagan and George Bush, the 'New World Order', and the influence of terrorism. This unit will be of great benefit to students and teachers of Australian history and politics, as well as anyone wishing to understand Australia’s current relationship with the wider world. Assessment focuses on the development of one essay constructed through a step-by-step process. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • A broad overview of world history since 1945, including the role of the United States, Europe and China, and the major events of the Cold War and post-Cold War period
  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Weekly Quiz 20% Ongoing
Secondary Source Synthesis 20% Mdnight, Sunday, Week 6
Primary Source Analysis 20% Midnight, Sunday, Week 6
Research Essay 40% Midnight, Sunday, Week 12

Weekly Quiz

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Each quiz contains two multiple choice questions about that week's reading. There will be eleven quizzes in total, which add up to an aggregate 20% of your mark.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A broad overview of world history since 1945, including the role of the United States, Europe and China, and the major events of the Cold War and post-Cold War period
  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.

Secondary Source Synthesis

Due: Mdnight, Sunday, Week 6
Weighting: 20%

This exercise consists of five short answer comprehension questions on two set readings. You will complete it after the week one discussions, and submit it by midnight on Sunday of week two. The aim of this exercise is to produce a synthesis of two historical articles. A detailed description of the task, including the short answer questions, is available on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Primary Source Analysis

Due: Midnight, Sunday, Week 6
Weighting: 20%

This exercise consists of four short answer comprehension questions on two set primary sources. You will submit it by midnight Sunday of Week Six. The aim of this exercise is to analyse two primary sources in light of the two secondary sources you sythesised in the first assessment task. A detailed description of the task, including the short answer questions, is available on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Research Essay

Due: Midnight, Sunday, Week 12
Weighting: 40%

The major assessment task for this unit is a 2000-word essay. You will build on the work from the previous three assessment tasks to write an essay in response to your set question. You are expected to do research beyond the set texts for this question. It is due the Sunday of Week 12. You will submit it electronically through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Delivery and Resources

All lecture content is provided online. All students will need sufficient internet connection speed to watch video lectures, listen to audio presentations and to participate in online learning exercises. Following discussion each week, students will be required to reflect on their learning in their iLearn blog posts. Essential readings are provided online. Students will need to do additional research for their major essay.

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Quiz
  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A broad overview of world history since 1945, including the role of the United States, Europe and China, and the major events of the Cold War and post-Cold War period
  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Quiz
  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Quiz
  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Discipline-specific skills, and an understanding of how to use discipline-specific tools to identify relevant material and use it to make an original argument in response to set questions.
  • The ability to form informed opinions about the past, backed by evidence and tested through peer review and debate with peers in discussion.
  • The ability to gather, engage with and synthesise a historical information, form an evidence-based argument from it, and communicate that argument with clarity in writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • A broad overview of world history since 1945, including the role of the United States, Europe and China, and the major events of the Cold War and post-Cold War period
  • A conceptualisation of the Australian nation that places it in its global context, emphasises the interconnectedness of Australian history, and highlights the ways global ideas are changed by exposure to local cultural and political conditions when they are adopted by Australians.
  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Quiz
  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • An approach to historical knowledge that acknowledges that such knowledge is constructed, contains assumptions in line with contemporary political and social debates, and is thus not values-free.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Quiz
  • Secondary Source Synthesis
  • Primary Source Analysis
  • Research Essay