What's new?

In this term's mailout you will find:

• Term 2 Topic List Update
• Infocus order form
• Topic suggestion form

We revisit Michael Ondaatje's Anil's ghost in items 2396-2398.

Three different perspectives of Fred Zinnemann's film High noon are provided in items 2401-2403.

We have also included two articles on genre theory, which discuss the work of Wittgenstein, Montaigne and Nietzsche, items 2399-2400.

Ancient History

This term we have included three articles related to the cities of Vesuvius, Pompeii and Herculaneum. Item 2406 discusses the excavation of a city block in the ancient remains of Pompeii and recounts the rise of this area over four centuries. Item 2407 examines a variety of topics related to women and their lives in ancient Pompeii. Topics described include; literacy, contraception, women and the medical profession and abortion. Item 2408 uses extensive archaeological and scientific testing to examine the health and nutrition of the population of ancient Herculaneum.

Modern History

This term we take a look at World War II, with three articles providing unusual insights into the war. Item 2404 tells the story of the Ovitzes, a family of dwarfs who survived Mengele's experiments in Auschwitz. Item 2405 reveals the discovery of new aerial photographs of Auschwitz from 1944.

Item 2409 describes the work of the Guinea Pig Club, who were pioneer recipients of innovative burn treatment and reconstructive surgery during the war. The article also includes photographs of RAF surgeons at work.

Legal Studies

There are two new issues of Hot Topics this term. No.48 looks at Native title and no.49 deals with juvenile justice. Items 2419, 2423 and 2425 look at the new laws dealing with surveillance and privacy.

Archaeology's Online Dig

In Vesuvius' shadow

Join the search for the patricians and slaves who lived in Pompeii in this interactive dig carried out by archaeology students and academics. See : http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/pompeii/index.html

www.atmitchell.com

www.atmitchell.com is the State Library's new website and highlights the wonderful treasures and resources of both the Mitchell and State Libraries. The website is interactive and includes a mixture of digitised text, pictures, manuscripts and rare treasures. Students and teachers will find many items here that can be used to supplement "The Journey". This includes: journeys of discovery, Joseph Banks Endeavour journal and Cook's voyages of discover. Exploration of our rich Antarctica collection is also possible. Bookmark
http://www.atmitchell.com now!

Do not forget to look into our Mathew Flinders Electronic Archive. An online digitised collection of the great explorers' journals, letters and memorabilia can be found at http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/online

Events at the State Library of NSW

Many State Library events are relevant to HSC topics and texts, and you'll find a sample listed below. For a complete list of events, see http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/whatson/events.cfm

Bookings are recommended for all events: phone 02 9273 1770 or email bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au (Full-time students are eligible for the concession price, but must show student ID on entry.

English and the Journey

It's a crime: serial characters

Top crime writers Gabrielle Lord (Dr Jack McCain and Gemma Lincoln series) and John Misto (The devils companions) discuss how their famous characters are researched and developed, and the fun of finding new plots for their characters. Hosted by Jane Goodall.
Thursday 19 May, 5:30pm for 6pm
$16.50, $11

Travellers' tales: the adventures of travel writing

Journalist Susan Kurosawa (Travel editor, The Australian) and Christine Hogan author of Men a user's manual and Luxury travel chat about their adventures and their passion for travel writing. Hosted by Alan Saunders, writer and broadcaster.
Tuesday 31 May, 5:30pm for 6pm
$16.50, $11

A history of Antarctica

Author Steven Martin gives an illustrated talk about his recent trip to Antarctica.
Wednesday 1 June, 5.30 pm for 6 pm to 8.30 pm
Cost to be confirmed

Hip Hop v Street Poetry

In June the State Library will be hosting a poetry slam:
Thursday 6 June, 6:30 pm
$13.50
Check theState Library's website for details.

Lights, camera, magic: exploring animation and visual effects

Wednesday August 3 - make a note in your diary now for this exciting session. Further details will appear on the Events section of the State Library's website as they are finalised.

World Press Photos

The ever popular World Press Photos exhibition returns to the State Library between June 24 and July 17 this year. After hours viewings of the exhibition including a 10 minute talk by Australian winners will be held on three Thursday evenings: 30 June, 7 July, 14 July. The exhibition will be open until 9 pm on each occasion. This a free event, and bookings are not required.

National Library of Australia Online Exhibitions and the Journey

Three of the National Library's online exhibitions may be useful supplements to "The Journey". See
http://www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/online

Travellers Art

An exhibition of rare late eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century drawings, watercolours, sketchbooks, diaries, hand drawn maps, manuscripts and photographs, all of which were made while travelling. These personal narratives capture their makers' immediate responses to new experiences and the vagaries of travelling itself.

The Wandering Artist: Augustus Earle's Travels Around The World 1820-29

Augustus Earle set on his travels at a time of great interest in the new world in the East and in the Pacific. Painting for a mass audience, reached via the rapidly improving technology of print, Augustus Earle carved out a role as a wandering artist.

The Flower Hunter: Ellis Rowan

Ellis Rowan (1848-1922) painted more species of Australian and international flora than any other artist of her era, exploring the world to find exotic flowers, plants, birds and butterflies. You can learn the story of her exceptional life and view a selection of her exceptional paintings displaying the flora and fauna she encountered.

Contacting Infocus:

Please note that Infocus has two phone numbers:

For inquiries related to orders and invoices please call (02) 9273 1769

For topic suggestions or general Infocus inquiries please call (02) 9273 1519

Or you can email us: infocus@sl.nsw.gov.au

Mailing Address