Why Take Australian Studies?
Course Road Test: Bachelor of Arts (Major in Australian Studies) at the University of Melbourne
by Julia Proctor
A chance to explore the society in which we live…
Absolutely. This major gives students the chance to investigate the essence of what Australia is and the kind of society we have, explains Graham Willett, co-ordinator of the Australian studies major. Over three years, he says, students study where Australia has come from, what it's doing now and where it's going.
Sounds interesting. What kind of topics are covered?
According to Dr Willett, students majoring in Australian studies get the chance to investigate issues ranging from migration and multiculturalism to class and gender. There's the chance to explore Australian history and politics, to undertake a comparative US/Australia study and even to travel to outback Australia.
Is there opportunity to study abroad?
Possibly not on this major but Melbourne University arts students take a range of other courses, often studying two majors or a major and a minor, which may present opportunities for going overseas. As part of the Melbourne Model, students also take subjects from outside the arts faculty. As for Australian studies, Dr Willett says: 'We have the best classroom in the country.' He says students are often sent on to the streets of Melbourne to experience what they are learning in their lectures. He says that if Australian students want to meet international counterparts, particularly those from the US or Europe, this course is a great way of doing that as it attracts a large international cohort. 'You get to see your country through other people's eyes.'
Cool. So what do I need to get in?
To get into arts at Melbourne, students needed a 'clearly in' ENTER of 89 in 2010. Dr Willett notes that few students turn up at university knowing they want to major in Australian studies. Rather, they choose, as one of several first-year arts subjects, the course provided by the Australian Centre and end up sticking with it. More than half of the students majoring in Australian Studies are female.
But will an understanding of Australian culture and society help me get a job?
According to Dr Willett, graduates from this major have the kinds of skills employers want, including critical thinking and experience of writing and expressing themselves. Some course graduates take further professional degrees; others find work immediately. The students end up in a range of professions, including business, teaching, journalism and arts management.
What do students have to say?
Molly McKew, 22, is in her third year. "I am interested in sociology, history and politics,' she says. 'The Australian studies major seemed like a good way to combine those interests. I like the interdisciplinary approach.' She adds that the course is relevant to everyday life. 'It's not at all dry.'
Where do I get more information?
www.australian.unimelb.edu.au/undergraduate/future/
[Reprinted with permission, The Age, 8 March 2010.]