Melbourne, Australia

Iva Deutchman, Political Science Resident Director (Winter '99)

(Note: This is a summary of the last program to provide some basic information. Specific details of the 1999 program will be provided at recruitment sessions and orientation meetings.)

The intent of the program is to examine the history, culture and politics of Australia, a country that is both like the U.S. and not like the U.S. The striking range of similarities, coupled with the different political and economic choices each country has made, makes Australia a particularly appropriate location to compel reflection on American values. Although a common cultural heritage is shared and some interesting geo-political commonalities are present, the two countries have developed quite differently. By using a comparative approach students should be able to move toward a more thoughtful reflection of the future of their own country.

APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DATES: December 20, 1998 to March 3, 1999

ACCOMMODATIONS
Students will be housed in Medley Hall, a residence hall near the University of Melbourne campus. In the Australian system of higher education each college has educational and recreational facilities in conjunction with the residence halls. Students will be able to take advantage of the libraries, the sports facilities, and the many musical and cultural events that are arranged. The residence hall where the students will be staying has its own cafeteria and fully equipped kitchens located on each floor.

EXCURSIONS
Shortly after arrival there will be a city tour of Melbourne to familiarize the group with the city. There will be also be a group trip at program end to Canberra, the capital of Australia, where students will be able to observe the High Court and Parliament, as well as tour the National Gallery and the National Library and Sydney, Australia’s international city. In addition, students will have the opportunity to travel independently during the program or at the end.

APPROXIMATE COSTS
Students will be charged a program fee that includes the regular winter tuition and room and board charges (‘97 Program--$9085). This fee will cover all study expenses, group excursions and course related expenses. Additional costs include airfare, some books and personal expenses.

ELIGIBILITY
Students are expected to have taken an introductory course in American Political System (Pol. Sci. 120) or an introductory course in Comparative Politics (Pol. Sci. 150). In exceptional cases and by approval of the resident director this requirement can be waived.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Political Science 235: Australian Politics (Dr. Mark Considine, Melbourne University)
This basic introduction to the Westminster system as it applies to Australia is taught by Dr. Mark Considine, Senior Lecturer in Politics at Melbourne University. Students will have the opportunity to observe both state parliament and the national parliament in Canberra.

Political Science 237: Sex and Power in Australia and the United States (Deutchman)
There are many ways in which gender relations appear to be more progressive in the United States than in Australia. The image of the bush in Australian imagination, coupled with the strong tradition of mateship, makes for a modern Australia that is more segregated by gender than is the case for the US. Yet the growing number of femocrats (women in government) challenges this tradition and provides Australian women with more opportunities for professional development. This course will address sex/gender issues from a comparative perspective.

Sociology (200 level): Contemporary Australian Society (Dr. John Goldlust, La Trobe University)
This course will offer a sociological overview of contemporary Australian society clearly grounded in the particular historical development of this country’s major social groupings and institutions. Beginning with Australia’s colonial development throughout the 19th century, the focus will be on the social backgrounds and interrelationships of the various European settler groups - convicts, military administrators, commercial adventurers and free settlers. Major topics will include and examination of the troubled relationship between European settlers and Australia’s indigenous peoples; the role of mid-19th century gold discoveries in stimulating further European settlement and rapid economic growth; Australia’s emergence at the end of the 19th century as a "workingman’s paradise" and as a leading innovator in progressive social welfare policies and programs. The above will provide the necessary background for a discussion of the emergence of Australian nationalism and the movement toward Federation, at the opening of the 20th century. The remainder of the course will focus on Australia’s development and change in the 20th century.