This course looks at how and why nations fragment, why parts break away, and considers whether this could happen in Australia, with separatist movements in Western Australia and Norfolk Island and among some indigenous groups. How could indigenous ‘recognition’ and ‘sovereignty’ co-exist within Australia’s constitutional structure? Sometimes separatism erupts into civil war, as factors which bring people together, such as language and a common history, clash with issues that may divide, such as race, religion, economic disparities, and regional issues. We look at a variety of historical events, including the civil wars in England, the United States, Russia and Spain, and current separatist movements, among the Kurds, the Catalonians, the West Papuans and the Scots and others.

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Douglas Golding

Course Code: D242

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.