How have the sex lives of Australians changed since the arrival of the first European settlers in the eighteenth century? And what can a study of the history of sexuality tell us about the dynamics of Australian history? This course will explore key themes in the history of sexuality in Australia since 1788, with an emphasis on ideas, attitudes, practices and identities. The evolving relationship between Australian and international developments will be a central theme.  Topics to be studied will include convicts and sexuality; sexual relations on the frontier; prostitution; sexual violence; the women's movement; sex reform and sexology; the regulation of sexuality by the state; homosexuality; and the transformation of sexual cultures, ideas and practices. The course will also examine how an understanding of sexual diversity in the past can illuminate current debates in Australian society.  

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. understand the major developments in sexuality across over two centuries of Australian history. 

2. apply key concepts in modern historical studies, such as gender, class and ethnicity. 

3. evaluate the changing relationship between the state and the bodies of its subjects/citizens in Australia since 1788.

4. practise the methodologies of social and cultural history, and particularly the close reading and interpretation of texts.

5. connect the history of sexuality in Australia to international developments.

1. Documentary Exercise (Primary Source analysis) on the early Colonial Period (Based on Topics 2 or 3) 1500 words: 20% [assesses Learning Outcomes 2, 4 and 5]

2. Research Essay: 2000 words: 45% [assesses Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4 and 5]

3. Examination (3 hours): 35% [assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]

120 hours over the semester, including one weekly lecture of 2 hours (during 13 weeks) and one weekly tutorial of one hour (over 12 weeks)

Twelve units in 'History'; or at least one of GEND1001 OR GEND1002; or with permission of the convenor.  For the purposes of this course History units include any course with the prefix ‘HIST’ together with EURO1004, ANCH1013 and ANCH1014.

None.

Frank Bongiorno, The Sex Lives of Australians: A History (Black Inc., Melbourne, 2012) + Reading Brick

Web access.