Imagining Assimilation. The Australian Experience. The project will produce the first comprehensive cultural history of assimilation in Australia, with explanations of how this experience differed from other settler societies. This study is central to our understanding of Australia as a nation and to national development. Drawing on the concept of the 'social imaginary', the project will generate new readings of assimilation linked to broader issues in public debate. Sources will include officia ....Imagining Assimilation. The Australian Experience. The project will produce the first comprehensive cultural history of assimilation in Australia, with explanations of how this experience differed from other settler societies. This study is central to our understanding of Australia as a nation and to national development. Drawing on the concept of the 'social imaginary', the project will generate new readings of assimilation linked to broader issues in public debate. Sources will include official publications and works from the media, the arts and popular culture. Expected outcomes include a monograph, two articles, and a museum exhibition brief.Read moreRead less
A study of the rise of Islam and community survival in Indigenous Australia. The recovery of the history of Islam in Indigenous Australia makes available new information about the sources of national identity. It provides compelling arguments to dismantle community stereotypes that have prevented the recognition of an exemplary hybrid community tradition as integral to our collective sense of self. Linked to the contemporary phenomenon of Indigenous Islamicisation, this study makes possible a ne ....A study of the rise of Islam and community survival in Indigenous Australia. The recovery of the history of Islam in Indigenous Australia makes available new information about the sources of national identity. It provides compelling arguments to dismantle community stereotypes that have prevented the recognition of an exemplary hybrid community tradition as integral to our collective sense of self. Linked to the contemporary phenomenon of Indigenous Islamicisation, this study makes possible a new and timely dialogue between Australian Muslims, Indigenous communities and Australian society generally. Identifying new sources and resources of community-making at a local, national and international level, this study significantly enriches Australia's capacity to negotiate its place in the world. Read moreRead less
Regional, remote and radical: Australian community broadcasting audiences talk back. This project builds on research completed in 2002 by members of the research team in examining the cultural and public sphere role of Australian community radio. It proposes the first comprehensive qualitative audience study of the community sector in partnership with peak industry and federal government policy bodies and as such it is of international significance. The project team plans to develop, refine and ....Regional, remote and radical: Australian community broadcasting audiences talk back. This project builds on research completed in 2002 by members of the research team in examining the cultural and public sphere role of Australian community radio. It proposes the first comprehensive qualitative audience study of the community sector in partnership with peak industry and federal government policy bodies and as such it is of international significance. The project team plans to develop, refine and apply several new approaches to media audience research appropriate for the diverse nature of community broadcasting. This will involve multilingual focus group research and interviews with community organisations who use local radio and television.Read moreRead less
Past Tense: 'acts of memory' in contemporary Australian memoir. This project examines the turn to autobiographic expression - particularly fragmentary forms of memoir - by the intelligentsia in Australia in the fin de siecle of the twentieth century. Why and how did these styles of writing proliferate? How did they shape ideas and express uncertainties about national identity and citizenship during a phase of national commemoration, self-consciousness, jubilation and unease? In a monograph, 'Pa ....Past Tense: 'acts of memory' in contemporary Australian memoir. This project examines the turn to autobiographic expression - particularly fragmentary forms of memoir - by the intelligentsia in Australia in the fin de siecle of the twentieth century. Why and how did these styles of writing proliferate? How did they shape ideas and express uncertainties about national identity and citizenship during a phase of national commemoration, self-consciousness, jubilation and unease? In a monograph, 'Past Tense', and a series of articles and conference presentations these questions will be considered using a comparative, cross cultural approach which will make a contribution to understanding identity debates in contemporary Australian society.
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