Program Overview

Historians delve into the past to explore how cultural, political, social and economic forces have shaped cultures and civilisations. Through exploring the past, history helps us to understand present-day societies and everyday life.

In this major you will gain an advanced understanding of how history shapes our beliefs and behaviours.

You’ll study topics such as place and belonging, gender and sexuality, indigenous history, marginalisation, imperialism and empire, dictatorship, heritage, conflict, culture and war. The program includes studies of Australia, Western Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Asia.

What you'll learn

• Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of history, and an ability to apply an historical perspective
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically, creatively and reflectively within the history discipline and across disciplinary boundaries
• Demonstrate the ability to locate and analyse information from a range of sources
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to diverse audiences in ways appropriate in history
• Demonstrate the ability to use a variety of technologies and to select the appropriate ones to use to solve problems or communicate information
• Show sustained intellectual curiosity by taking responsibility for one's own learning and intellectual development through the recognition of a range of learning strategies including small group, student-centred activities
• Demonstrate the capacity to understand how society has changed historically
• Appreciate the importance of historical knowledge in contributing to an understanding of cultural diversity and human rights
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct ethical research using the most relevant theories and approaches in the field of history