Brief description
The module begins by addressing the following themes. How has 'Australian' identity been constructed? Which interests are served by the imperial history? What has been left out of the story? Who were the real first Australians, the white convicts and settlers who landed off New South Wales in 1788 or the Aborigines? Or should we think of Australia as the site of multiple (and sometimes conflicting) identities?

We then examine these debates about identity from a regional perspective. Clearly, corporate and political elites see Australia's economic and security interests tied up with the Asia-Pacific Region. This raises a number of interesting theoretical and diplomatic questions. How has Australia managed these new directions in its international relations? More interestingly, what are the limits to Australian cooperation with Asia, and how significant is identity in determining these limits? For example, is Australia being excluded from being a full member of the region because it is identified with 'Western values' and not 'Asian values'?

Aims
This module seeks to critically examine the way in which Australian identity has been socially constructed, and the implications this holds for Australia's relations with the Asia-Pacific Region. It is intended to appeal in particular to students with an interest in the post-colonialism and international political theory.

Objectives
Students opting for this module should achieve:

• familiarity with historical and cultural parameters of Australia

• a good understanding of Australia in international relations (both regional and global)

• be able to articulate and write cogently on questions of Australian identity

• the ability to think critically on the theory and practice of identity formation

10 ECTS Credits