976404 Contemporary Switzerland

8cp; 3hpw

The subject has been designed to provide students with a basic understanding of contemporary Swiss history, politics, society and culture in national, continental and global contexts. In weeks one to four, students follow an umbrella program shared by all European Contemporary Society subjects, which introduces them to general issues relating to contemporary Europe. From week five onwards they pursue a separate program, focusing on contemporary Switzerland. The subject provides students with critical skills that allow them to identify major contemporary issues that shape present-day Swiss society. Insights are gained into long-term and more recent history and the complex notion of Swiss identity. Topics include contemporary politics, regional, cultural and linguistic diversity, Swiss neutrality, Switzerland's role in the Second World War and its subsequent approach to that past, its relationship with the EU and broader international role. Students develop critical thinking skills relevant to the multidisciplinary nature of the subject.

Assessment: Assessment tasks include essays.

Texts and references

Details are available in the subject outline, distributed in class during the first week of teaching.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus

Fee information

2006 contribution for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students: $816.50
2006 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,720.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.167
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2006 for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Other students (such as postgraduate students and international students) should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.