This course investigates European settlement in Australia, with particular emphasis on convicts and emigrants, from the decade of Cook's discovery to the advent of Federation. Major themes of this course will include the characteristics of a 'settler society', issues of race and gender on the frontier, class formation in colonial communities, and Australia's role in British colonial policy. We shall explore the following topics, among others: the nature and functioning of the convict system; the vices and virtues of a convict colony; the debate over penal transportation; the successive emigrations of British and Irish peoples; their expectations and experience as settlers in a 'new' country; the encounter with Aboriginal Australia; the transfer of British ideas, values and institutions; and the growth of Australian national identity. We shall also consider colonial perceptions of the imperial relationship, the colonists' views of the world and of themselves, and images of Australia, whether as a 'land of criminals' or as 'a new Britannia in another world'.

A research essay of 3,000 words (50%), tutorial participation (10%), and either a synoptic essay of 2,000 words or a final examination (40%).

First-year courses in History to the value of twelve units, or with permission of the Convener.

Inglis, K, Australian Colonists: an exploration of social history, Melbourne 1993 (2nd edn).

This course can be counted towards a History or Australian Studies major.