We have all been children, and yet childhood is a great secret: a community so visible, so scrutinised, yet maintaining its own rituals, hierarchies, values, and jargon, which can only be revealed once a member has escaped that world into adulthood. Take a look at the childhood experiences of the past: the toys, games, education, health, and expectations of children in Australia over more than two hundred years.

This class will be delivered online via the online platform Zoom. Enrolling students need to ensure they have an email, a reliable internet connection, microphone/speakers and access to a tablet, smartphone or computer.

SUGGESTED READING

• Australian Childhood: A History, Jan Kociumbas
  
  

COURSE OUTLINE

• First Fleet children
• Aboriginal children: Traditional upbringing, Native Institute
• 19th century, rich and poor: Games, sport, subversive behaviour / Education, health, orphanages, reformatories / Parenting, clothes, books, music, toys
• 20th century, rich and poor: Games, sport, subversive behaviour / Education, health, orphanages, reformatories / Parenting, clothes, books, music, toys
  
  

PLANNED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify the characteristic behaviour and resources of Australian children from 1788-2000 across classes, cultural communities and genders.
2. Discuss changes in the representations, behaviours, and expectations of children from different eras.
3. Create an accurate representation of an Australian child from any class or time period.