MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia

Caution Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1320-6222

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996


FACULTY INFORMATIONPart 2


Specialised degrees, double degrees, honours degree

The nature and structure of the BA

The Faculty of Arts offers both a general BA degree and specialised degrees. The general BA is designed to allow students maximum freedom in choosing their courses of study, within the structure of eight first-year subjects and the required number of major and minor sequences. Students are able to choose from a large number of disciplines and interdisciplinary programs ranging across the humanities and the social sciences. The aims of a general BA degree of this kind are to provide the opportunity for studying the literature, languages, culture, history and institutions of human societies, and to develop a critical understanding of the main intellectual traditions and bodies of knowledge of the various disciplines that constitute the arts.

Specialised BA degrees

In addition to the general BA, the faculty has introduced a small number of specialised BA degrees. These are designed to give students the opportunity to pursue a more focused and planned program of study around an identified subject or field of academic interest. There are five such specialised degrees. Four have particular areas as their focus: these are Asian studies, Australian studies and European studies and languages. The other specialised degree covers the social sciences.

Objectives of the specialised BA degrees

Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies)

To enhance the objectives of the general BA with specialised knowledge of Asia, graduates of the BA (Asian Studies) are expected:

+ to have a knowledge of the general geography, history and significance of the region commonly termed `Asia';

+ to be aware of the cultural and historic differences within the region in terms of general areas (East, South and South-East Asia) and the differentiation in broad terms between countries of the region;

+ to have an understanding of one of the three areas in greater detail, including the similarities, differences and interrelations between the countries of that area;

+ to have a closer knowledge of a particular country within the area, including a working knowledge of the language of that country;

+ to have obtained a working knowledge of the language of a specific country of the region through having completed a major in that language;

+ to view the country and/or area of focus within the framework of a discipline by having completed a major in a chosen discipline with a concentration of at least two semesters on the country or area most closely related to the Asian language studied;

+ to have acquired the capacity to differentiate between Eurocentric views of the region and the contemporary realities of culture and development;

+ to have achieved a basic level of language and information which could allow specialisation in the field of Asian Studies at graduate level.

Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies)

The study of our own country is central to an appreciation of Australia's place in both the region and the world. By undertaking an integrated program of Australian studies, students will gain the knowledge and skills which will equip them to understand and interpret Australian society and culture. The interdisciplinary focus of the degree will enrish this process of identification and interpretation, while students will gain the specific benefits of vocationally useful knowledge in areas such as cultural tourism, heritage and the environment.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies) are expected:

+ to have developed critical thinking and communication skills and the capacity to apply these skills in a variety of contexts;

+ to have the ability to collect and interpret evidence, and to integrate and analyse a diverse range of information;

+ to have a broad understanding of Australian society and culture and an appreciation of the way in which different disciplines inform that understanding;

+ to be able to contribute to specialised knowledge about aspects of Australian society and culture;

+ to have an awareness of the wider context of Australia's situation, including factors such as regional developments and technological change.

Students will be expected to gain some generalised knowledge of Australian society from their first-year subjects while being introduced to the skills and concerns nominated above; the second-year core subjects will provide an integrative inter-disciplinary focus, while honing research and interpretive skills; other second and third-year subjects will develop more specialised areas of knowledge; and the honours year will seek to develop in students sophistication in both research and argument and a capacity for self-reflection.

Bachelor of Arts (European Studies)

1. Students completing the BA (European Studies) will be expected:

+ to have learned a European language to a level which allows them direct access to the culture of Europe;

+ to have acquired a knowledge of the way European society, institutions and political and economic structures have evolved since World War 2 and particularly in the late twentieth century;

+ to have achieved an understanding of contemporary developments in Europe.

2. The Bachelor of Arts (European Studies) offers students a comprehensive range of high quality courses and aims to encourage as many students as possible to pursue a systematic education in European Studies, preferably by taking a major sequence leading to a full honours degree.

Through the major sequence and the honours degree, students are expected to develop:

+ a sound knowledge of both the diversity and the unity of Europe's culture;

+ an awareness of the factors influencing the development of Europe's institutions, policies and political life;

+ a sense of Europe's international dimensions, including the factors influencing the structure and development of the current world order;

+ the capacity to identify and appraise value systems, including their own;

+ an ability to construct and evaluate arguments and interpretations intelligently and fairly;

+ the range of intellectual and practical skills necessary for obtaining suitable professional employment.

3. First-year subjects seek to reach the foundational level of these objectives; second and third-year subjects seek to reach them on fuller and broader levels, especially conceptually; and honours subjects seek to reach them on a level of critical and imaginative sophistication and self-reflection.

Bachelor of Arts (Languages)

In a multicultural Australia which is carefully reviewing its relation to Asia and the rest of the world, languages have come to play an increasingly important role in everyday communication and in defining Australia. Through the Bachelor of Arts (Languages) the university recognises the importance for the people who are to function in the global, multicultural setting of the twenty-first century of having a deep knowledge of languages, both as systems and in their socio-cultural contexts. The proposed program will attract students who wish to develop skills and experience in second language acquisition and communication that can also be utilised in subsequently learning/studying other languages and in careers requiring highly developed language and communication skills in Australia and overseas.

Students completing the degree should be able to:

+ function effectively in their target languages;

+ understand the role of language in society;

+ be familiar with critical aspects of language policy;

+ assess a variety of strategies for teaching and acquiring second languages; and

+ work with `contrastive' and differing approaches to the study of languages

Bachelor of Arts (Social Science)

In addition to the objectives of the general BA, graduates of the specialised Bachelor of Arts (Social Science) are expected to have:

+ developed the ability to investigate the various dimensions of society articulately, analytically, imaginatively and critically, to grasp the methodological, ethical and theoretical implications of their investigations, and to serve individual, community and professional needs;

+ developed an understanding of the factors and forces constituting social activities, institutions and policies, and influencing their development, including the capacity to evaluate the appropriateness of different research approaches;

+ developed an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of social science as an approach to knowledge and of the special concerns and applications of particular social science disciplines;

+ learned how to apply a critical perspective to the analyses of past and present societies and of a range of issues of current academic and/or social significance;

Structure of the specialised BA degrees

The specialised degrees have a similar structure to the general BA but require students to take two major sequences chosen from a list of suitable disciplines that are central to the chosen area of study. From 1996 students may enrol into the specialised degree from first year. Students may also enrol initially in the general BA and enter the program at the start of second year, or even third year. To meet the prerequisites for transferring into the specialised degree programs at the end of first year, students need to have completed at least two first-year sequences in disciplines that are designated as appropriate for the particular specialised degree that they wish to take. These then form the basis for the double major that is the distinctive feature of the specialised degrees. Each of the specialised degrees has a list of designated disciplines from which students may select their major sequences and additional minor sequences if they wish. In addition to the subjects that students must take to meet the requirements for the specialised degrees there are some `free' units which can be chosen from among the whole range of subjects available to BA students. The regulations for the specialised degrees in Asian studies, Australian studies, European studies, languages and social science are contained in this handbook.

These specialised degrees are offered at both pass and honours levels. In most cases, it is recommended that students wishing to continue into a fourth honours year enrol in the honours program in one or both of the disciplines in which they have done their major sequences. Special honours seminars may also be provided for students who have followed the specialised degree program, where numbers permit.

Further information about specialised degrees

The programs of study that students enrolling in the above specialised degrees follow are such that any students who wish to change their enrolment and re-enrol in the general BA will be able to do so.

Details about each of the specialised degrees, giving information about the disciplines that provide the bases of each of the programs of study and a listing of the courses and subjects offered, are provided in the following section of the handbook in the outline of studies, which is arranged in alphabetical order. There is a separate entry for each specialised degree under the appropriate title. To avoid duplication, full information about all the subjects listed for each specialised degree is provided elsewhere in this section of the handbook, under the appropriate discipline heading.

Bachelor of Music

Objectives of the Bachelor of Music degree

At the completion of the Bachelor of Music (BMus) course, students should have acquired: (i) a practical, theoretical, critical, historical and contextual knowledge and understanding of music; (ii) a range of solo and ensemble performance skills of a high standard; (iii) academic skills leading to postgraduate study and research in music; (iv) an ability to contribute to the community through well-developed music performance skills, and through analytical, problem-solving and communication skills; and (v) a general education in music suitable for employment in the music industry and teaching professions.

Students who complete the BMus degree are expected to develop:

+ skills in musical performance;

+ a comprehensive understanding of the various genres of performance in Western music such as instrumental and vocal ensembles, large instrumental and vocal groups, and the multimedia genres of opera and musicals;

+ a comprehensive understanding of the various eras of Western music history such as early and late medieval music, renaissance music, music of the baroque era, classical music, romantic music, and music of the twentieth century;

+ a basic understanding of the various roles and functions of different types of music in Western societies, and an ability to articulate these roles in written form and verbally to specialists and the general public;

+ generic capabilities with respect to musical performance and musicology, including the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to analyse music with the view to increasing one's interpretive skills in performance and conducting, and the ability to think independently about various issues associated with music performance and the promotion of musical activities in the community;

+ the ability to work cooperatively and creatively in small ensembles and in large orchestras and choral groups;

+ the capability to plan, supervise and manage public concerts, acting both individually and with a group as appropriate in a given circumstance;

+ the capability of being self-critical;

+ the ability to critically differentiate between various published editions of the same music notation, especially with respect to establishing their respective feasibilities relative to a particular performance context.

Nature and structure of the Bachelor of Music degree

The Bachelor of Music degree (BMus) allows students to undertake a major sequence of studies in performance together with studies in composition, musicology or ethnomusicology. Students apply for entry directly into the Bachelor of Music program at the first-year level and do not have to complete first year of the general BA before seeking admission, as is the case for the specialised BA degrees. To qualify for the degree students must complete two major sequences, one in performance and one in a choice of composition, musicology or ethnomusicology. In addition, a minor sequence must be completed from a discipline other than music. A first-year sequence either in music or from a discipline other than music is also included.

Double degree program in music/commerce

The Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Commerce (BMus/BCom) double degree, available on the Clayton campus, enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students will complete all the requirements of the BCom while at the same time completing ninety-two points of music subjects.

Bachelor of Performing Arts

Objectives of the Bachelor of Performing Arts

At the completion of the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) course, graduates should (i) have acquired a practical theoretical, critical, historical and contextual knowledge and understanding of and across the performing, visual and/or literary arts; (ii) have completed interdisciplinary courses resulting in performances or exhibitions requiring cooperative contributions from students in various art forms; (iii) be able to demonstrate a balance of critical, practical, theoretical, historical and contextual knowledge in at least two of the following fields: drama, music, dance, visual arts, film and television, and creative writing; (iv) be able to demonstrate academic skills leading to postgraduate study and research into the arts; (v) be able to contribute to the community through well-developed skills in problem-solving and skills in communication; (vi) have acquired a general education in and across the arts suitable for employment in fields which prefer a broadly based degree as a basis for on-the-job training.

Students who complete the BPA degree are expected to develop:

+ the ability to communicate effectively about the performing arts through both verbal and written skills;

+ a fundamental understanding of selected genres of performing arts within the Western tradition, especially as found within the areas of music, drama, dance, creative writing, visual and studio arts, and film and television;

+ a fundamental understanding of selected historical eras of the performing arts within the Western tradition, especially as found within the areas of music, drama, dance, creative writing, visual and studio arts, and film and television;

+ an initial understanding of selected performing arts genres from Asian countries, especially as found within the areas of music, drama, dance, dance-drama, creative writing, visual and studio arts, film and television, and puppetry, with due regard for the historical, economic, and sociocultural factors that impinge upon a particular performance and influence its reception and the values placed upon it by both performer and audience;

+ generic capabilities with respect to the performing arts, including the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to analyse the performing arts into their various components with the view to increasing one's ability to communicate effectively about the performing arts, and the ability to think independently about various issues associated with the performing arts and the promotion of performing arts activities in the community;

+ a basic understanding or ability to place any particular performance of any Western genre within its cultural context, with due regard to the historical, economic, and sociocultural factors that impinge upon the performance and contribute to the generation of performance phenomena being communicated from the performers to an audience, and also with respect to the values placed by the audience upon the performance being communicated;

+ an awareness of the desirability of being able to make critical aesthetic judgements about a particular performance with respect to aesthetic values held by the society and/or culture that may be identified as the tradition within which the performance is normally presented;

+ the capability of being self-critical.

Nature and structure of the Bachelor of Performing Arts

The BPA degree is available on the Clayton campus for students who wish to prepare themselves for careers in the performing arts and related areas. The BPA allows students to undertake a major sequence of studies in a principal art form, as well as a minor sequence of studies in a different art form, or, with special approval, in a discipline taught by another department or faculty. Students may, if they wish, also complete a first-year sequence in another art form.

Major sequences are available in music, drama, dance, visual arts, and films and television studies. It is expected that a further major sequence in creative writing will be offered in the future.

To qualify for the BPA students must also complete sequences in interdisciplinary studies (involving participation in a multimedia performance project) and in the history, nature and analysis of the arts.

Bachelor of General Studies

The Bachelor of General Studies is offered on-campus or off-campus (through Open Learning) and requires students to complete units through a range of disciplines. The course would be particularly attractive to students with broad interest areas or for those who wish to combine unusual study areas. Subjects cover areas which include arts/social sciences, applied studies, science and technology and business studies as an alternative to existing programs which specialise in one or two specific fields.

On-campus study

Entry is available to any student applying for Monash courses provided they meet the appropriate prerequisites. Students who wish to transfer from other Monash courses will need to have made satisfactory progress in their first course.

Off-campus study (Open Learning Australia)

This method of study provides access to tertiary education and existing degree programs for those who would not previously have had the opportunity as well as providing a means by which studies from a variety of sources may be recognised. Applicants interested in undertaking a degree using this method should first undertake at least two Open Learning subjects (including one Monash subject) and then register with Monash University.

Students interested in applying to this course should contact the course coordinator on 9903 2630.

Double degree programs

A student may enrol for a double degree program, in which studies can be undertaken in two faculties (eg arts and law) at the same time and which can enable the student to graduate eventually with two degrees (eg BA and LLB). The following double degree programs incorporating BA studies are available.

Arts/Business

A combined course for the arts degree and a specific business degree is available on the Caulfield and Peninsula campuses which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for their specific branch of the BBus degree while at the same time they complete at least a major and a minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Commerce

A combined course for the arts and commerce degrees is available on the Clayton campus which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for the BCom degree while at the same time they complete at least a major and minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Computing

A combined course for the arts and computing (applications development) degrees is available on the Peninsula campus which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for the BComp degree while at the same time they complete at least a major and a minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Engineering

A combined course for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering is taken concurrently over a minimum period of five years on the Clayton campus. Students complete all the requirements for an engineering degree in a specific branch of engineering while at the same time undertaking a major and minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Information Management

A combined course for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Information Management is taken concurrently over a minimum period of four years on the Clayton campus. Students complete all the requirements for a degree in information management while at the same time undertaking a major and minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Law

A combined course for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws is taken over a minimum period of five years on the Clayton campus. The course includes a sequence of law subjects, which counts towards both degrees, and, for the arts degree, additional subjects to the value of at least eighty-eight points. This additional work must include a major sequence from a discipline included in List A (I), as well as a further first-year sequence and additional subjects to the value of twelve points from arts subjects. After three years of study it is possible to graduate with the arts degree only, if so desired. However, most students will normally continue with a further two years of work in law only and then take out the LLB degree as well as the BA degree.

Arts/Science

A combined course for the arts and science degrees is available on the Clayton campus which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for the BSc degree while at the same time they complete at least a major and minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Teaching

A combined course for the arts and teaching degrees is available on the Peninsula campus which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for the BTeach degree while at the same time they complete at least a major and a minor sequence in arts subjects.

Arts/Theology

A combined course for the arts and theology degrees is offered in conjunction with the Melbourne College of Divinity, which enables students to take out both degrees after four years of study. Students complete all the requirements for the BTheol degree on one of the campuses of the MCD while at the same time they complete at least a major and a minor sequence in arts on the Caulfield, Clayton or Peninsula campus.

Honours degree

The honours degree requires a fourth year of study taken following completion of the normal requirements of the pass degree. Under the regulations the minimum requirement for admission of a candidate to fourth-year honours is completion of a major sequence in the honours discipline or interdisciplinary program with at least credit grades in subjects to the value of not less than sixteen points at third-year level and an additional eight points at either second or third-year level. The credit grades must be gained in individual subjects. A credit average is not accepted if the requirements as stated above have not been met. Honours studies may be taken as single honours (a single discipline over one year of full-time study), double honours (two disciplines over two years of full-time study) or combined honours (two disciplines over one year of full-time study). It is possible, with the permission of the faculty, to undertake honours studies on a part-time basis. Not all subjects offered in the BA course are available at the honours level.

For a listing of honours subjects, see under `Majors, minors and honours sequences' in the section titled `Availability of subjects in 1996'. For information regarding a particular honours discipline, see the relevant departmental entry in this handbook.

Entry into honours is normally at the commencement of the academic year. Mid-year entry into honours may be offered at the discretion of the department. See the honours entry for the relevant department or departments in this handbook. Mid-year entry may be available to students who have completed the Monash Bachelor of Arts degree within the last five years. Candidates from other faculties of the university and from other institutions may not commence honours mid year.

Combined honours may be undertaken provided that all honours requirements have been met in both disciplines. Application to undertake combined honours must be made with the support of the heads of both departments. The overall distribution of points within a combined honours degree should as far as possible be equally divided between departments. The thesis component of a combined honours program should be divided as the two departments see fit. The thesis component may be taken solely in one department, be equally supervised, examined and weighted in terms of points between both departments, or any balance of these. Coursework should be equally divided between disciplines where possible. Departments offering combined honours must be prepared to adjust points for subjects and theses where necessary.

Bachelor of Letters

Once students graduate from an undergraduate course their need for access to further undergraduate studies does not necessarily cease. University selection regulations have disadvantaged graduates applying to take a second undergraduate degree, and as a result the Bachelor of Letters (BLitt) degree has been developed. The degree is available only to applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree, and allows them to undertake a new specialisation at an undergraduate level over a relatively short period of time and receive recognition of this in terms of a formal qualification. The degree will normally take two years of full-time study to complete and will make available to candidates the full range of disciplines and interdisciplinary programs presently included in List A (I), with the exception of subjects in psychology and applied statistics. Part-time studies are also available.

Bachelor of Letters honours degree

The Bachelor of Letters honours degree requires a further year of study at fourth-year level following completion of the normal requirements of the Bachelor of Letters degree. See the entry for honours degree for details regarding admission, disciplines, mid-year entry and combined honours.


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