History comprehends all aspects of human experience. History courses offered in the School of Social Sciences explore that experience, help students to develop critical and analytical skills, and encourage them to ask questions which lead to an understanding of past and present societies.

History offers courses in a wide range of areas from a variety of perspectives. Themes covered include war, revolution, empire, slavery, religion, immigration, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and film. The time span covered is from the ancient world to the present, while the regions covered in the courses we offer include Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. There are also courses on historical theory and method.

Within these courses it is possible for students to pursue their particular interests, for example in politics, economics, philosophy, and religion. Our courses also explore the historical significance of ideas, technologies, and cultures. Some courses cover broad themes across national boundaries, while others explore the theories and values that underlie all historical explanations. There are courses that investigate Australian society, and others which examine aspects of Western societies and cultures in Europe and North America.

History is, therefore, an important discipline within an Arts degree, and in the various combined degrees (eg Arts/Law, Arts/Science, Arts/ Economics). History courses are also included in many of the majors offered within the Faculty of Arts, notably Australian Studies, Gender, Sexuality and Culture, Aboriginal Studies, and Religious Studies.

History Major

Major requirements

The History major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:

• A maximum of 12 units (two courses) from 1000-level History courses (these may include EURO1004)
• 12 units of compulsory latter-year courses: HIST2110 and HIST3007
• A minimum of 12 units from core latter-year HIST courses.
• A maximum of 12 units from a list of approved electives offered elsewhere in the university

History Minor

Minor requirements

A Minor in History complements majors in many fields. The History minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:

• A minimum of 18 units from core courses in the History subject area or EURO1004
• A maximum of 6 units from completion of elective courses.

Note: Students are not required to undertake units from the elective list and may choose to construct their major or minor entirely from core courses.