This course compares and contrasts settler societies and indigenous encounters across space and time. It will spend some time discussing the Australian experience as a settler society and the impact of European colonisation on Australia's indigenous population. It will also place those experiences within a comparative framework and study at least one other settler society and indigenous group in depth. More generally, issues to do with the nature of settler societies, the impact of European expansion, ideas about race and colonialism, and the changing experiences of indigenous peoples will be considered.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the key features of settler societies and the impact of European colonization on indigenous peoples, especially in the Australian context;
2. Compare the experiences of colonization and settler-indigenous interaction across space and time;
3. Analyse and assess the impact of settler-indigenous interaction in the development of settler nations and histories;
4. Undertake historical research using primary and secondary sources and produce written pieces demonstrating historical analysis and argument;
5. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of at least two selected topics within the course (as demonstrated in essay assessment pieces). 

Assessment will consist of

Participation in online forums and exercises - 20% [LO 1, 2 and 3]

Essay 1 - 40% - 2500 words [LO 2, 3, 4 and 5]

Essay 2 - 40% - 2500 words [LO 2, 3, 4 and 5]

Approximately 120 hours, including working through the learning package and e-readings, participating in online activites, and completing assessment.

An optional residential workshop (to consist of 2 days on ANU campus undertaking workshops, excursions and research) will be offered.

No pre-requisite is required.

None, but students enrolled in the University of Newcastle Master of Education (History Education) should check recommended enrollment patterns.

There is no prescribed text. A learning package / set of e-readings will be supplied at the beginning of the semester.

The course requires access to a computer and an internet connection as a significant component of the course and assessment involves access to WATTLE/Blackboard.