“The HSIE learning area across Years K-10 provides opportunities for students to learn about Australian society from a range of perspectives. Throughout their study of HSIE related subjects, students are increasingly able to construct their own understanding about the continuity and change of Australia’s identity. It is important to remember that different perspectives can often challenge ‘mainstream ideas’ about Australia and its people.” Lectures 1 & 2.

Critically evaluate this statement drawing on the relevant literature.

In your extended response:

• Outline the nature of the HSIE learning area and its importance in helping students to develop an understanding about Australia’s identity (approximately 150 words);

• Describe the similarities and differences between ‘mainstream ideas’ and TWO other perspectives about Australia’s identity (approximately 250 words); and

• Critically evaluate the claim that the media effectively promotes a range of perspectives about the changing nature of Australia’s identity (approximately 350 words)

“Inquiry based learning should underpin our teaching methodology in the HSIE learning area. It enables students to develop their curiosity and promotes interaction between themselves and other people as well as with their surrounding environment. Inquiry based learning helps students to understand the interconnections between people and places. Inquiry based learning also helps to bring the past in to the present whilst also bringing relevance to the seemingly irrelevant.” 

Investigate a local site, event or issue that clearly demonstrates either ‘continuity and change’ or ‘sustainability’. Develop an inquiry question to frame your investigation about this site, event or issue so that you can conduct the inquiry with consideration of TWO different perspectives. Once the inquiry is completed and your research findings have been analysed, develop an extended response to include the following information:

• A description about the nature and location of the local site, event or issue being investigated, its connection to either ‘continuity and change’ or ‘sustainability’, and the TWO perspectives in focus;

• A justification about the chosen sources (History oriented) or research methodologies (Geography oriented) for this investigation, and an explanation about the research findings;

• Critically evaluate the possible, predicted and preferred futures for this local site, event or issue in the context of your research findings and the TWO chosen perspectives; and

• A concluding and reflective statement about the challenges and opportunities associated with inquiry based learning, based on your experience of this task but applied to a classroom context. 

There are SIX questions below. THREE of these questions will be selected for the examination. Students will be required to select TWO questions from which to respond.

Australia’s engagement with countries of the Asia region and globalisation

Question 1

There is a belief amongst some of Australia’s population that the White Australia Policy was born out of fear and insecurity about those who are racially or culturally different - and some contemporary government policies still reflect this past rhetoric. There is also a belief amongst some of Australia’s population that the pathway towards developing a multicultural society has been successful and that Australia enjoys close links with many countries, particularly those of the Asia region. In your extended response, with reference to this statement:

• Describe the nature of ‘multiculturalism’ and ONE example of its evidence in Australian society occurring as a result of government policy;

• Explain the key philosophical underpinnings of Australia’s immigration policy since Federation and how Australia has become increasingly connected to countries of the Asia region; and

• Critically assess the arguments for and against offshore and mainland processing of refugees and asylum seekers who are seeking entry to Australia.

Question 2

There are many perceptions about 'Development'. An economist may consider a country to be ‘developed’ if its Gross Domestic Product is comparable to western capitalist economies such as the United States of America. However, a humanitarian may consider a country to be ‘developed’ based the proportion of the population able access high quality education and medical care at minimal expense. In your extended response, with reference to this statement:

• Describe the nature 'development' and how ONE economic OR cultural event has contributed to Australia’s progress;

• Explain where AT LEAST TWO specific teaching and learning opportunities exist across the K-10 syllabus for History and/or Geography and how they could be used to enhance understanding about significance and change in the context of Australia at a global scale; and

• Critically assess the claim that Australia’s population enjoys living in a culturally integrated and economically developed society. 

Australia’s identity and place in the world 

Question 3

Australia’s national identity has been shaped over time by events, processes and people. Australia’s history (such as wartime experiences and the early exploration of the Australian continent) has created images of Australia as being a ‘classless’ or ‘egalitarian’ society in which everyone gets a ‘fair go’ including the ‘Aussie battler’. 

• Describe TWO factors that have contributed to Australia’s identity historically but still retains relevance in a contemporary context;

• Explain where AT LEAST TWO specific teaching and learning opportunities exist across the K-10 syllabus for History and/or Geography and how they could be used to enhance understanding about perspective, and continuity and change in the context of Australia’s identity; and

• Critically assess the extent to which ONE of the factors listed below has contributed to the emergence of a distinctly Australian identity:

  • Australia’s physical environment and natural disasters                                                  • Australia's wartime experiences                                                                                          • Australia’s literature and popular culture. 

• Describe TWO different perspectives about ONE demographic change and ONE social change occurring across Australia; 

Question 4

Australia is experiencing rapid economic, demographic and social change. The population is aging and becoming more culturally diverse; the environment supports a range of land-uses and sustainable management is meant to be the focus. These changes are influencing people’s decisions about where and how live. As a result, there is an ongoing debate about issues including the opening up of a ‘food bowl’ in Northern Australia, the expected lifespan of the mining boom and its communities; urban planning considerations for an age-ing population, increasing population density and transport infrastructure. In your extended response, with reference to this statement:

• Describe TWO different perspectives about ONE demographic change and ONE social change occurring across Australia; 

• Explain how EACH change is influencing government policies and individual decisions about where and how to live; and

• Critically assess the arguments for and against Australia's population growth in the context of sustainability. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

Question 5

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week is recognised around Australia and occurs in the first week of July. Each year there is a different theme to focus the activities around. In 2017, the theme for NAIDOC week is ‘Our languages matter’. The aim of NAIDOC Week is to increase awareness about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, as well as to recognise the contributions made by Indigenous Australians to our country and our society (adapted from www.naidoc.org.au). In your extended response, with reference to this statement:

• Describe the significance of Country/Place to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;

• Explain where AT LEAST TWO specific teaching and learning opportunities exist across the K-10 syllabus for History and/or Geography and how they could be used to enhance empathy and promote a deeper understanding about contestability between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians; and

• Critically assess the claim that Australia has much to learn from the contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to communities, environments and places across the nation.

  Question 6

  A key element of contemporary 'cultural conflict' in Australia has been the so called 'history wars' in which a key point of contention is how the early years of colonial settlement should be addressed in the school curriculum. Conservatives want a 'grand narrative' of heroism – the taming of a hostile land and the building of a new society based on the values of mateship and egalitarianism. Progressives, on the other hand, want a 'warts and all' version of Australian history – one that acknowledges the dispossession and suffering of Indigenous Australians. In your extended response, with reference to this statement:

• Describe the significance of Country/Place to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;

• Explain TWO different perspectives about TWO causes and effects of change experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples since 1900; and

• Critically assess the view that full Reconciliation depends on recognition by non- Indigenous Australians that the alienation and disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can be linked to ‘Terra Nullius’.