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Australian Art (AHIS20002)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - On Campus
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This subject pivots on a series of provocations regarding art, identity and geography. It poses the question, one proposed to artist Bessie Davidson in the late nineteenth century: does art have a nationality? It interrogates settler/invader/colonial art and its persistence in the face of 65,000 years of continuous culture. Largely chronological in approach, and encompassing all Australian art traditions including First Nations art, this subject examines where Australian art happens, and introduces us to those who made it, and who continue to make it today. It examines historic and recent art histories including those written by Bernard Smith, Joan Kerr, Ian McLean and Rex Butler that argue for, and against, national art histories. In so-called Australia, can there even be a national art history, and if so, who gets to call it?

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Position key works of art and artists within the canon and counter canon, of Australian Art.
  • Discuss and share their knowledge of the development of Australian art since 1770 including settler and First Nations traditions.
  • Analyse critically and synthesise key written and visual sources that centre on major themes in Australian art histories.
  • Argue for and/or against the proposition that art has a nationality, using primary and secondary sources.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays.
  • Conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations.
  • Communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.
  • Manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision.
  • Participate in teamwork through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate independent judgement.

Last updated: 11 December 2025