Outline

Overview

This unit focuses on the rich political-economic historiography of Australian capitalism. You will explore a range of themes in this historiography which include: British colonisation and First Nation's dispossession; the long economic booms and depressions since the 18th century; the progressive and evolving integration of Australia with the global economy through trade, capital flows and migration; the making and remaking of class relations, and social protest; the evolving embeddedness of the Australian economy in the natural environment (including the growing reliance on extractive sectors like mining); and, the financialisation of the everyday life of Australians.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Political Economy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Political Economy
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ECOP6115
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Beggs, michael.beggs@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Michael Beggs, michael.beggs@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Data analysis	Graph/Table Essay Produce a data visualisation (e.g. graph or map) or table and comment on it	25%	Mid-semester break Due date: 03 Oct 2025 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Topic presentation In-class presentation comparing different perspectives on a chosen topic	25%	Multiple weeks	1500wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Seminar participation Participation in class discussions over the semester	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Scholarly essay on a chosen topic	40%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Presentation: This is an in-class oral presentation of 10-15 minutes, with written notes or draft to be submitted. Select any topic relating to the history of capitalism in Australia. (The lecturer will provide a list of suggestions. You are free to choose something not on the list, but please consult the lecturer for advice.) Find at least two perspectives on this issue published in articles or books and compare their views.
Graph/table essay: Find a dataset quantifying some issue relating to the history of capitalism in Australia. Present the data in a graph, map or table in a way that clearly illustrates something of interest. Write a written commentary on the data that refers to your illustration.
Essay: Choose a question from the list provided on Canvas. Write an essay answering the question with reference to scholarly sources.
Seminar participation: Take part in class discussions throughout semester. Show that you are engaging critically with the readings, and respond collegially and productively to fellow students. Quality is more important than quantity.

Assessment criteria

Referencing and generative AI policy

Do not submit AI-generated text as your own work. Every assignment must include several citations with page numbers for the specific part of the source you are referring to (not the page number range for the whole chapter or article).

We will discuss this policy and the reasons for it in class at the beginning of semester. Here is an overview:

According to university policy, you are permitted to use generative AI tools as part of the process of developing submitted work for open assessments. All assessments in this unit are 'open'. However, this does not mean you can submit AI-generated text as your own work. All generative tools must be acknowledged and appropriately cited, including (i) the name and the version of the tool used; (ii) the publisher; (iii) the uniform resource locator (URL); and (iv) a brief description of the context in which the tool was used. (See Academic Integrity Policy 2022, updated 10 July 2025, section 16, 'Allowable assistance in coursework'.)

Treat any text generated by AI/large language model applications as you would any source text (papers, books, articles) for academic integrity purposes. That is, copying it verbatim or paraphrasing it without attribution is a form of plagiarism. If you have good reason for directly including AI-generated text, put quotation marks around it (or block quote) and cite it transparently.
Every assignment must include several citations with page numbers for the specific part of the source you are referring to (not the page number range for the whole chapter or article). Most references to sources you cite should include such page numbers, whether you are quoting a text or summarising points from it. This is good scholarly practice - making it easier for readers to trace your sources. It also makes it hard to directly use AI-generated text in your essays, because these tools do not generate reliable references to scholarly literature. Even AI tools that specifically promise to insert reliable references are extremely unreliable at best - don't be scammed. I routinely check citations while marking. You are responsible for the accuracy of any references in submitted work.
The reason for this policy is that essays and similar writing assignments are designed to help you learn to research and make your own arguments. Writing is thinking. Learning to write original research essays is a critically important part of a social science education.

Guide to grades

Rubrics for specific assignments will be available on Canvas.

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Approaching the history of capitalism in Australia	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	The takeover: how capitalism arrived on Indigenous land	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	The penal colony	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Convicts and squatters	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Diggers and merchants	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Crisis and Federation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Rise of the labour movement	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Industry and Depression	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	The postwar long boom	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Crisis and restructuring	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Lessons of history?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Presentations and summing up	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Classes for this unit are seminars involving full-class discussion, with some assessment based on participation. Please try not to miss more than two seminars. If you are going to have to miss more for any reason, please discuss it with the lecturer.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See the reading guide on Canvas for required readings each week. Please do this reading before class each week so you can fully participate in seminar discussion.

Required readings include this textbook, which we will read from cover to cover over the semester:

Ian W. McLean (2013) Why Australia Prospered: The Shifting Sources of Economic Growth. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

This textbook is available for purchase at Booktopia and elsewhere.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/why-australia-prospered-ian-w-mclean/book/9780691171333.html

Other readings for this unit will be available electronically.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. have broad knowledge about the economic and social history of Australia
LO2. critically analyse and competently discuss important themes in the historiography of Australian capitalism
LO3. critically analyse the relationship between social science and historiography
LO4. develop written arguments involving social theory and historical evidence
LO5. communicate quantitative social history data effectively
LO6. use information technology and library resources to conduct historical research

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I adapt this unit each year in response to student feedback and new ideas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ECOP3115: History of Australian Capitalism

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links