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This course explores the invention of kiwi culture from first Maori contact with Europeans to Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. Key questions asked are: How has national identity formed? What kiwi traditions have emerged? Who is a New Zealander and who is excluded from dominant concepts of nation? What aspects of culture are indigenous and how much is copied from overseas? Topics under examination include key defining moments, peacekeeping, sport and leisure, food, beauty, fashion, arts and crafts, literature and music, kiwi icons, kiwiana, overseas fame, sexuality and morality, environmentalism, national disasters, immigration and multiculturalism.
You will:become conversant with the main events and trends in New Zealand’s past and understand different interpretations of New Zealand history;demonstrate knowledge of major pieces of historical writing (historiography);be introduced to a range of sources, including those neglected by New Zealand historians, and;acquire extensive knowledge that will assist you in your study of New Zealand history at Honours level or in a culture and heritage related workplace.Skills include:managing your work and time;research: locating information and using the Library, electronic and other resources; handling and interpreting primary sources;comprehension: précis writing; essay writing;analysis: identifying parts of an argument and how they fit together, critical engagement in understanding underlying assumptions, assessing the adequacy of evidence, and the logic of a case; evaluation of historical arguments: understanding concepts and theories used in historical writing; familiarity with classic or landmark texts in New Zealand history;basic scholarly conventions : referencing, compiling bibliographies, use of quotations, avoiding plagiarism, and; oral presentations: introduction to seminars; developing confidence in small group discussion.Upon completing this course you will be able to demonstrate:1. a sound knowledge of key questions and recent trends in New Zealand history, and in diverse historical approaches;2. a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which historians approach questions about the nature of Kiwi Culture – as an assemblage – and New Zealand exceptionalism (or the lack of it), and;a critical understanding of what is meant by ‘Kiwi Culture’ in relation to the key concepts such as post-colonialism, cultural cringe, nationalism, national identity, and heritage.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
30 points at 200 level HIST, or200 level Ancient History or 200 level MAOR or 200 level PACS. RP: HIST128 or equivalent
HIST243
HIST128 or equivalent
Rowan Light
Domestic fee $1,493.00
International fee $6,075.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Humanities .