Welcome to Australian Studies

There is a wide range of topics in a variety of disciplines in the University focused on the study of Australia. Australian Studies is a versatile cross-disciplinary program that can be taken as a major or minor sequence in the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology and in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The Flinders University Australian Studies Program is the most comprehensive in South Australia and one of the most extensive in Australia . It offers students the opportunity to study Australian society and culture through a wide range of topics in a variety of awards. Australian Studies topics can be taken in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of International Tourism and Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts degrees. The four Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts degrees in which Australian Studies topics can be taken are the Bachelor of Early Childhood; Junior Primary/Primary; Middle School and Secondary. 

Australian Studies has a continuing and important relationship with Indigenous Studies and in liaison with colleagues in Yunggorendi. A number of topics are cross-listed in the Australian Studies Major and in the Indigenous Studies Minor. For more information on the Indigenous Studies minor sequence students should contact Yunggorendi First Nations Centre.

Australian Studies is part of the Department of English, Creative Writing and Australian Studies.

WHY STUDY AUSTRALIAN STUDIES?

Postgraduate studies in Australian Studies can be undertaken in a number of universities in Australia and overseas. Australian Studies is afforded a high priority as a teaching subject in South Australian secondary education. Australian-based topics are also taught in schools at all levels, from early childhood onwards.

There is a demonstrated need for employees in both the private and public sectors to demonstrate knowledge of events and issues affecting Australia , in both the domestic and international spheres. There is an equally demonstrated need in a broad range of professional contexts for cultural awareness about issues relating to Indigenous Australians. The print and electronic media require informed and articulate analysts and advocates. Government and the public service are in need of employees who understand a complex, multicultural society. In addition, Australian Studies topics offer an essential dimension for students undertaking related studies in International Tourism. As an area of specialization with general relevance, Australian Studies offers much to those who wish to make connections between life in contemporary Australia , the region and the wider world.

AUST1001 Australian Studies: Identities

AUST1004 An Introduction to Aboriginal Studies
AUST2004 Indigenous Australian Art Today: Themes and Issues

AUST3998 Issues for Australians

For more information about courses offered in Australian Studies please link to our Australian Studies handbook (PDF,166kb).

Information is available for the style and presentation of essays .