Studying History

Historians are dangerous people. They are capable of upsetting everything
Nikita Kruschev

History has been used and abused for the purposes of propaganda, political action, nationalism, and conflict. We all need to understand our own national history and the history of other nations in order to be able to participate in public life. Politicians, journalists, teachers, public policy makers, economists and others involved in social leadership require a firm understanding of the mistakes and achievements of the past. History is the public memory of society and as such an essential facet of life in society.

On an individual level, students of history are better able to appreciate the shaping of the forces and ideas which affect their lives. The methodology of history trains students in locating and evaluating information, developing an ability rigorously to argue a case and critically to interpret their place in the world.

History subjects complement subjects in Politics, Law, Economics, Sociology, English, Creative Arts, Languages or other courses. Students may choose to major in History.

The History discipline offers subjects in social history, the social and political consequences of war, feminist history, revolution and colonialism, representation and history, world history and cultural and labour history. Regional emphasis lies on Australia, Europe, South East Asia and the Americas.

History is offered at all undergraduate levels: 100 level (first year), 200 level (second year) and 300 level (third year). 100 level subjects are each worth 6 credit points, 200 and 300 level subjects are each worth 8 credit points. A major in History consists of 52 credit points, 24 of which must be at 300 level. Within their major, students may concentrate on Australian, Southeast Asian or European history, or choose a variety of subjects offered by the Program. As students progress through the levels of a History major, the subjects offered become more sophisticated in approach. 300 level subjects place greater emphasis on comparative and theoretical aspects of the discipline and encourage students to undertake original research.

Entry into any 200 level history subject requires a pass in at least one of the 100 level subjects. Entry into any 300 level subject requires 14 credit points of history, at least 8 of which must be at 200 level.

Subject to Program approval, students may include AUST101 or STS112 to meet pre-requisites for some upper level subjects.