History at Murdoch

History means trying to make sense of our world by understanding how things come to be the way they are today. The study of History trains our minds to analyse ideas and theories about human action by looking at the evidence of the past. History is also a discipline that sharpens our critical faculties as well as broadening our understanding of the human condition. Studying History at Murdoch will help you understand modern life, through the lessons of the past. The History program at Murdoch is ranked among the best teaching departments in Australia.

You can study in three main areas of historical inquiry:

• Cultural History – with an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural focus on the histories of Australia, Europe, South-East Asia and the United States.
• Regional History – with a focus on the history of modern nation states.
• Thematic History – with a focus on important international themes in history.
   
  view History Course Structure here

Today’s world requires people with well-developed generic skills, critical minds and the ability to make decisions logically and creatively. History provides invaluable training for anyone engaged in research, analysis and writing. Studying History will help to:

• improve written and oral communication skills
• digest large amounts of information
• improve analytical skills
• evaluate evidence
• think critically and creatively
• develop independent learning practices

Special Topics are sometimes available in the History program.

Information about Independent Study Contracts can be found here.

Students are encouraged to complete double majors of study in related areas, e.g. Sociology, Law, Asian Studies, Politics, Education, Media Studies. It is also possible to take History as a minor.

Many History units are available externally. Students can also undertake study at Honours and Postgraduate level.