First year

Introductory units

Two units have been developed and are ready for implementation: each with a value of 6 points (equivalent to 1/8th of a full year). The two units are complementary; they are designed to be taken sequentially but can be taken alone. 

Outlines of the two units can be downloaded as pdf files.  To obtain further details contact us.

Integrated Human Studies I: origins, body and mind

Integrated Human Studies II: culture, governance and futures

IHS I examines the emergence of the human condition and humans as individuals while IHS II considers humans as a social group and looks at the future prospects for humankind. 

Aim of the units

The introductory IHS units aim to broaden students' horizons and at the same time, equip them with generic skills suitable for the workplace and for further study.  They encourage students to think critically about themselves and their place in the world.  They strive to develop in students a curiosity about human origins and human histories and above all germinate a concern for, and an intent to participate in improving, the future for humankind.

Together, the two units provide an essential overview of the various disciplines that comprise human studies and the need to integrate such disciplines to fully appreciate the complexity of the human condition and likely human futures.

Features of the units

In both units, concepts rather than content are emphasised. They set an academic challenge for students to understand and utilise information, not just absorb it:
        Students are expected to actively engage in and "integrate" human studies.

IHS units are designed to strongly support students in their specific discipline or professional based degree structure.  They promote generic skills that enable students to think rationally and critically, design and carry out research, build computer literacy, examine and test ideas and solve problems, analyse data and communicate information, work independently and in groups, apply knowledge to new situations, question accepted wisdom and be open to new ideas.

Both IHS units will involve visits to a variety of locations on and around campus such as museums, research laboratories and galleries so that students can come face to face with diverse examples of IHS related research. These two units also require the completion of a group research project. This project will enable students to work in interdisciplinary groups to devise, carry out, analyse and report on a topic that they have researched from an integrated perspective. These practical and extension components are an important element to each of the units as IHS is predominantly something that students do rather than learn – they integrate human studies.

Expected Outcomes:  

Students will:

1. Appreciate the complexity of the human condition and gain a holistic understanding of human origins, history, culture, biology and behaviour, economics, governance, and the impact of humans on the environment
2. Recognise the importance of the various disciplines that contribute to an understanding of the human condition and how they can be used to promote human wellbeing within a sustainable environment
3. Understand themselves, their biology, behaviours and attitudes and beliefs
4. Become aware of the social and environmental implications of their main areas of study.
    

The IHS introductory units are particularly suited to:

Arts and Science based students who:

• Wish to maintain a broad interest in a range of University studies
• Are more focussed but wish to understand their major discipline areas within a broader context.
• Are uncertain of the courses they wish to pursue; these introductory units enable students to sample and understand a wide range of disciplines and follow up with those of particular interest.

Professional and career based students:

Who seek optional units to provide them with a more holistic understanding of humans and the potential for them to make a postive contribution to society.

Postgraduate students:

Who wish to broaden their educational experience and view their particular field of study within a broader perspective.