School of Humanities
Humanities scholars have been at the forefront of every major debate about change and innovation, revolution and creativity, ethics and responsibility. Join us and aim to create a better and fairer world – one to which you will be able to contribute through diverse and stimulating jobs and careers.
The School of Humanities comprises of a rich and diverse body of disciplines that contribute to an understanding of humanity across space and time, and develop the key skills of literacy and critical thinking. Our programs provide an opportunity to interpret human culture and behaviour, from different perspectives and periods, and to understand your own experience, identity and values.
Sarah Churchwell writes, '...you won’t solve the problems of religious fundamentalism with a science experience'. You need philosophers to examine the complexity of the phenomenon, historians to situate it across time, literary and language scholars to add to the mix of robust and sophisticated skills that will enable you to argue a position with confidence, insight and knowledge.
The Humanities provide the foundations to a life lived fully, creating the right frame of mind for critical reflection, and the skills for a rewarding and an ethical engagement with the world all around us.
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Our disciplines
English
Explore what it means to be human by reading some of the best and most loved books and stories of the ages, while developing skills that will help you become the best writer and critic you can. From fiction and poetry to theatre and film, television and the internet, discover the many ways to read texts and genres in their cultural and historical contexts. Engage your passion for writing by creating your own works of literature.
Global Cultures & Languages
English is spoken by around 1.5 billion people. The other 5.5 billion people don’t. More than ever before, we’re part of a world with fewer and more permeable borders due to international trade and business, tourism, immigration, and random cross-cultural experiences. Studying a language can improve brain functionality, multi-tasking ability, decision-making and memory skills, as well as expanding work and travel options.
History & Classics
The History and Classics programs are an excellent way to obtain a general education and understanding of humanity. Studying History enriches knowledge by exploring the contexts of global developments, continuity and change, contingency, accidents, and interconnections that have shaped societies over at least the last 3,000 years. Classics explores the history, literature, cultures, and languages of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Philosophy & Gender Studies
Some of this century’s most interesting and important work in Philosophy takes gender seriously. Philosophers are now asking about the metaphysical, moral and political significance of gender, as they have not always asked before. Our Gender Studies program is the only one in Australia to be located within Philosophy. Though distinct majors are available, our staff conduct teaching and research that involves fruitful interaction between the two areas.
