Anthropology, archaeology and history

Anthropology

Campus | Clayton

Anthropology is the comparative study of different ways of life - it seeks an 'insider' perspective on alternative ways of being in the world. To interpret human behaviour, anthropologists ask questions not just about what people do, but about why they do it, what they mean by it, what motivates them to do it and what people value in diverse societies and cultures. Anthropologists are playing an increasingly important role in the modern world: wherever human diversity is an issue, anthropologists provide expertise. In fields as diverse as journalism, climate change, dispute-resolution and peace-building, social policy, indigenous issues, mining projects, development and emergency assistance, anthropologists are called upon to contribute their specialised knowledge and understanding.

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Archaeology and ancient history

Campus | Clayton

Archaeology and Ancient History is the study and reconstruction of past societies, their history and evolution throughout the Mediterranean. Material culture (art, architecture, ceramics and objects of daily use) is considered along with social structure, religious beliefs, cultural philosophy, trade and international relations. Where present, the study of ancient literature and documentary evidence is stressed. It explores how we understand the past and its relevance to the contemporary world.

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Australian Indigenous studies

Campus | Clayton, Gippsland, Off Campus

This program investigates contemporary and historical studies about Indigenous Australian peoples and their experiences. Topics include kinship, political and linguistic systems in urban and remote societies, colonisations on Indigenous societies and economies, and the effects of government policies on organisations and communities. Issues surrounding constructions and representations of Aborigines, 'Aboriginalism' and responses to these by Indigenous Australians are discussed.

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School information | Clayton | Gippsland & Off Campus |

Australian studies

Campus | Caulfied, Clayton, Gippsland, Off Campus

Australian studies investigates the nature of Australian society and culture, and the country's relationship with the rest of the world. Students discover how past and present interpretations of Australia influence national identity, and look at issues such as cultural dispossession, the evolution of the modern nation state, tourism and communications.

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School information | Caulfied & Clayton | Gippsland & Off Campus |

Classical studies

Campus | Clayton

Classical studies offers students a vibrant and accessible introduction to the life, culture and language of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Drawing links between the ancient world and modern society, the program combines the best of classical learning and contemporary scholarship. Language courses are available in Latin or Ancient Greek from beginners level.

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History

Campus | Caulfied, Clayton

Simply stated, history is about understanding how our world has got to where it is. By finding out about the cultures and societies of the past, students gain a much clearer view of why things happen in our own and other cultures. They also gain the ability to assess intelligently and question what we are told about society by the media, politicians and others. Examples of units studied include medieval and renaissance Europe, nations at war from Napoleon to Gallipoli, Jews and non-Jews in the middle ages, contemporary worlds and Asian civilisations.

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History-politics

Campus | Clayton, Gippsland, Off Campus

Students build their knowledge of the history and politics of Europe, Australia, Asia and the major world powers. This major area of study provides a high level of academic competence in the study of continuity and change in human society and a deeper understanding of the nature of the past and the present world.

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Jewish civilisation

Campus | Caulfield, Clayton,

Units offered within the Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation encompass a number of diverse areas of study which reflect the nature of Jewish civilisation and help students understand different aspects of Jewish civilisation such as language and literature (Hebrew and Yiddish), history, theology, philosophy, law, politics and sociology. Students can also study a wide range of subjects that relate to the Jewish historical experience - ancient, medieval and modern. Archaeology, religion and theology units focus on a comparative study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

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