Kiwi Culture

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

Prerequisites

Restrictions

Recommended Preparation

For further information see Humanities .