English, the Journey and Speculative Fiction

This term we have included new articles on several texts that could be used for both Speculative Fiction and the Imaginative Journey. They include texts by speculative fiction authors, Ursula Le Guin, Philip K. Dick and Octavia Butler.
See item descriptions 2529-2531.

Biology

Articles 2537-2541 discuss bird flu and other infectious diseases. Item 2537 explores the advanced technology and strategic planning being used by the WHO as bird flu reaches into Europe and Africa. The connection between the modern food chain and the emergence of new strains of infectious diseases is examined in item 2539. Item 2541 provides a detailed account of the collaboration and conflict behind the development of the flu drug Relenza.

Society and Culture

Item 2533 looks at Australia's fertility rate and the negative impact low birth rates can have on a countries economic and social future. Item 2534 explores the strategies used by the Australian producers of the reality television program Big Brother to find contestants. The reaction to reality television in France, Germany, Portugal and Italy is discussed in item 2535.

Modern History

We have included two new articles on how Stalinism affected Russian families and women. See items 2547-2548. Item 2549 charts the gradual growth of Eleanor Roosevelt's power and the development of her own political agenda. Item 2546 analyses the style and impact of radio broadcasts during the 1930's in the USA.

Ancient History

Item 2552 delves into a recent exhibition of ancient artefacts from the ruined cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Ancient Egyptian medical practices and treatments for children and adolescents are revealed in item 2553.

Studies of Religion

Item 2536 discusses Jewish bioethics and how Jewish scholars and religious leaders use Jewish law (halakhah) to interpret issues relating to medicine, healthcare and reproductive technologies.

Geography

We have included two articles that discuss the Sydney suburb, Pyrmont. Item 2544 details five lessons that can be learnt from the Pyrmont project. Item 2545 focuses on the effect market forces and a policy of quantity over quality have had on the project.

News from the State Library of NSW

Exhibitions

First Sight: the Dutch mapping of Australia 1606–s1697

This exhibition, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the first European discovery of Australia in March 1606, displays some of the Library's rarest and most valuable treasures relating to the Dutch charting of our coasts. These are joined by three major items from the Netherlands: Dirk Hartog's plate of 1616 from the Rijksmuseum and Jan Carstenszoon's journal and accompanying chart of 1623 from the Nationaal Archief, The Hague.
Open 6 March to 4 June

Nelson Meers Foundation Heritage Collection

New Library treasures on display include images and a score from the world premiere of John Antill's ballet Corroboree, beautifully illustrated editions of Don Quixote and examples of the fine workmanship in Wedgwood's Sydney Cove medallions
www.sl.nsw.gov.au/heritage/

World Press Photo

This year 4448 professional photographers from 122 countries entered 83,044 images in this prestigious annual international competition for press photography. The jury gave prizes in 10 theme categories to 63 photographers of 25 nationalities, including five from Australia: Mark and Jenny Evans, Palani Mohan, Ryan Pierse and Adam Pretty.
Open 4 May to 28 May.

Eora: Mapping Aboriginal Sydney 1770–1850

Eora: Mapping Aboriginal Sydney 1770–1850 is a journey into the Aboriginal past of early Sydney and surrounds. It chronicles the clans and families of the region including the Cadigal people, and their connections to the land, each other and the English colonists. Through rarely seen artworks, maps, relics and manuscripts the exhibition reveals the distinctive saltwater culture of the Eora and the cross-cultural interactions that have formed our shared history.
Open 5 June to 13 August

National Treasures from Australia's Great Libraries

A landmark exhibition that tells a rich and remarkable story about our history, our nation, our treasures ... and our libraries. National Treasures from Australia's Great Libraries brings together, for the first time, more than 170 extraordinary items that have shaped our nation. Drawn from the magnificent collections of Australia's National, State and Territory libraries, the exhibition contains a diverse range of manuscripts, maps, drawings, paintings and objects-from the everyday to the exotic-all linked to Australia.
Open 26 August to 22 October 2006.

Upcoming events at the State Library of NSW

Bookings are recommended for all events. Phone (02) 9273 1770 or email bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au (Full time students are eligible for concession but must show ID on entry).

Australian Library and Information Week Treasure galleries — with Stephen Martin

What is a library treasure? And why are so many libraries presenting treasure galleries for the first time? Stephen Martin, Coordinating Curator for the Nelson Meers Foundation Heritage Collection, will talk about the concepts behind this and other treasure galleries, illustrating his talk with images and stories about State Library treasures. Wednesday 24 May, 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm
$16.50, $11

Australian Museum

National Archaeology Week celebration Sunday May 21 2006

National Archaeology Week aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and the work of Australian archaeologists both at home and abroad, and to promote the importance of protecting Australia's unique archaeological heritage.

Talks relevant to HSC Syllabus

12.30pm: Ancient Athens: City of Democracy
1.15pm: Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town
2.00pm: Masks and Gods: Theatre in the Ancient World