General information
The School of Historical Studies offers subjects in the disciplines of history,
archaeology and ancient history, and religion and theology, and in the fields
of Christian theology, Jewish civilisation, comparative religion, medieval and
renaissance studies, gender studies, military history, cultural and social
history, Aboriginal history, European history and Australian and Asian studies.
As well as providing knowledge of specific disciplines and fields, courses
taught in the School of Historical Studies offer students the opportunity of
developing skills of research and analysis and enhancing their skills in
written and oral communication. In particular, tutorials and class projects are
designed to give students practical experience of the balance of teamwork,
flexibility and independent learning critical to a successful professional
career. Some subjects offered in the school, such as ´Archaeology and
archive studies', ´Teaching history', and ´Public history', have a
specifically vocational aspect.
Area
coordinator: C A Hope
Archaeology is defined in its broadest sense as the reconstruction of past
societies in every aspect based upon the study of all surviving data.
Consequently, material culture is considered in conjunction with social
structure, religious beliefs and cultural philosophy. Where present,
documentary evidence is stressed.
The cultures examined include those of Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, the Hittites,
Israel, Minoan Crete, Mycenaean and Classical Greece, Persia and Rome. Within
this broad range, there is a focus upon the pre-classical periods and the
cultures of Egypt, Minoan Crete, Mycenaean Greece and ancient Israel.
Archaeological theory and practice are studied and on-site training provided.
Since archaeology plays a major role in the reconstruction of all but the most
recent past, it can be a valuable adjunct to a variety of cultural studies.
No previous study of archaeology and ancient history is required to commence a
major or minor sequence in archaeology and ancient history at Monash. In all
subjects, attendance at tutorials is compulsory and repeated absence without
good reason may result in the subject being failed. Attendance at lectures is
strongly encouraged, but is not compulsory. While lectures are often
audiotaped, lecturers regularly make use of visual materials.
Honours courses can be undertaken in the archaeology and ancient history of the
Mediterranean. Combined honours may be taken in archaeology and ancient history
and other disciplines (eg history, geography, and anthropology) provided
that all honours requirements have been met in both disciplines and subject to
the approval of the honours coordinators or heads of the relevant schools.
All intending postgraduate students must discuss their proposed research
programs with the section head.
Students
seeking advice on their selection of subjects should obtain an appointment with
one of the following, by contacting the school office, room 510, telephone
(03) 9905 2172.
Colin Hope, room S619, telephone (03) 9905 3262
Gill Bowen, room S618, telephone (03) 99053264
Liisa Williams, room 508, telephone (03) 9905 2199
Students
are advised to follow a sequence of related subjects, although it is possible
to combine them in other ways. Students may enrol in up to four first-year
history subjects. All first-year subjects aim to develop not only a grasp of
particular topics but also an understanding of the methods and aims of the
historical discipline.
No previous study of history is required to commence a major or minor sequence
in history at Monash. In all subjects, attendance at tutorials is compulsory
and repeated absence without good reason may result in the subject being
failed. Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged, but is not compulsory.
While lectures are often audiotaped, lecturers frequently make use of film and
other visual materials.
The school offers 10 first-year history subjects, five in each semester. Each subject is valued at six points. All first-year subjects may be taken without prerequisites. Students may enrol in a suggested pair of subjects, one in first semester and one in second semester, to form a first-year sequence in history. However, all first-year subjects are discrete and may be taken as a pair or independently. Suggested first-year sequences in history are:
Students can also take BME1111 Science, culture and the concept of race: human origins and development and BME1122 Human affairs: health, illness and sexual difference, from Biomedicine as part of a history major.
Students seeking advice on their selection of subjects should obtain an appointment with one of the following, by contacting the school office, room 510, telephone (03) 9905 2172.
The Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation offers major and minor sequences in Hebrew language and literature as well as in Judaic studies. Students are advised to follow a coherent sequence of related subjects, although it is possible to combine them in a variety of ways. Advice about appropriate combinations and sequences can be sought from the director or associate director of the centre, telephone (03) 9905 2160.
For further information, consult the director or associate director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, telephone (03) 9905 2160.
The programs of study listed under this heading are offered by the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology. The director of the centre is Dr Constant Mews, room 631, Menzies building, Clayton campus, telephone (03) 9905 2185.
Professor G Bouma (Anthropology and Sociology), Professor K Hart (English), Dr C Mews and Dr P Howard (History), Dr K Rigby (Women's Studies) and Dr R Horner (Religion and Theology). For preliminary information about courses at the Melbourne College of Divinity, see Dr R Horner (Religion and Theology).
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