Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate Handbook 2001: Subjects indexed by faculty
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Anthropology and sociology


The discipline

In recent years, there have been considerable developments in anthropology in the theorising of culture, feminist studies, epistemological questions relating to postcolonialism and its effects upon anthropological forms of research and knowledge. These developments are reflected in subjects such as ´Asia and the West', ´Feminism cross-culturally' and ´The Third World and the comparative study of South and Southeast Asian cultures'. Specialist supervision can be offered for MA and PhD theses with regard to these fields as well as contemporary Indonesia, ethnicity and nationalism, disability studies, the role and identity of women in the Pacific, as well as the complex historico-cultural transformations of modernity and the contemporary forms of theorising culture.
The focus of sociology is the study of industrial and post-industrial societies. It involves the investigation of human groups, communities, institutions and organisations, and the networks of meaning and association which link individuals and groups to the broader social structures of such societies. There is a wide range of subjects at the graduate level which provide opportunities to explore broad theoretical and methodological issues, to acquire research skills, and to develop an understanding of the institutions and processes of industrial and post-industrial society. Emphasis is placed on the research process (the careful description of human social order, the development of theories and research strategies designed to test and apply theories) as the means by which sociology as a discipline advances; and on the development of theoretical ideas to explain social processes. The discipline has a special interest in the application of sociological knowledge to contemporary public issues.

Research degrees

Anthropology and sociology offers the PhD and Master of Arts by research (100 per cent). See the front of the Arts postgraduate section for course details. See also the entry for ´Humanities, communications and social sciences' (Gippsland campus) and http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/prospective/postgraduate/ disciplines/ Coursework programs aim to provide students with a broad range of research skills and equip them for careers in social research, government, industry and the public service. Mid-year entry is available for all of the courses and programs listed below.

Master of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology by coursework and research

General information

Course code: 2846 * Course fees: Local students - HECS; international students - $A13,000 * pa * Coordinator: Jan van Bommel
This course provides students who already have an honours degree in anthropology, sociology or other cognate disciplines with the opportunity to expand, update and deepen their knowledge and understanding. Other students may gain entry to this masters course by first completing a masters qualifying with a research component. Students may choose such a program for various reasons, including the desire to pursue their own intellectual interests, to gain more specialised and detailed understanding of a particular area, to acquire technical and applied skills and knowledge or to prepare themselves for a PhD and a career in research and teaching. The course takes one-and-a-half years full-time or three years part-time.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an honours degree with a grade of H2A or above in a relevant discipline (or equivalent qualification) or a masters qualifying with a research component in anthropology and sociology with an overall grade of H2A or above as well as a distinction or above in the research component.

Course structure

The course comprises two 12-point subjects selected from those listed below and a thesis of 25,000 to 35,000 words (66 per cent). Alternative subjects may be taken with the approval of the school graduate coordinator.

Note that the minimum pass grade for subjects in the Master of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology is 60 C, that is, a grade of credit or above is required in every subject and for the thesis.

Masters Qualifying in Anthropology and Sociology with a research component

General information

Program code: 1988 * Program fees: Local students - HECS; international students - $A13,000 * Coordinator: Ulla * Svensson
This program is designed for students with a bachelors degree who want to expand and deepen their knowledge in one or more areas by undertaking coursework and a research project. The Masters Qualifying in Anthropology and Sociology, with a grade of H2A or above, qualifies students to apply for entry into the PhD or MA programs. The program may be taken over one year full-time or two years part-time.

Entry requirements

For entry to the Masters Qualifying in Anthropology and Sociology, applicants should have a pass degree at credit level or above in the relevant discipline.

Program structure

All students must take ASM4000 (Research project) and three additional subjects chosen from the following list:

Core subject

Three of the following 12-point subjects, which should be selected in accordance with the student's research project:

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