Chair Programme

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Australia: From 1788 to the Present

    The course, which is taught by Peking University BHP Chair Professor David Walker and Dr. Chen Changwei, is intended to present a systematic overview and interpretation of Australian history, society and culture, including an examination of Aboriginal Australia,  an exploration of key themes in the historical development of the Australian nation and the settlement of the world's driest continent, and an introduction to the process by which ideas about racial purity gave way to a belief in multiculturalism and diversity. This course maps the process by which a society that began with a strong attachment to British values and cultural traditions has adapted to the rise of Asia. 
    In recent years, China has become Australia's major trading partner, while Australia is a significant source of investment income in China. Chinese immigrants have now overtaken the immigrants from the United Kingdom as the major source of migrants in contemporary Australia. There is every reason to believe that relationship between Australia and China will become increasingly strong over coming decades. Given this history and the importance of the bilateral relationship, it is a particularly opportune time for Chinese students to gain a better understanding of Australia’s history and present role in the world