Centre for Integrated Human Studies

The Centre for Integrated Human Studies

Ideas for a course with the nature and future of humans at its core began decades ago in conversations between Dr Len Freedman and Professor Neville Bruce, both lecturers in human biology at the School of Anatomy and Human Biology at The University of Western Australia. They saw the need for a purpose designed curriculum that integrated the many disciplines that touch on the human condition, and acknowledged the importance of culture and values.

They envisaged a centre that delivered courses answering this need, that fostered interdisciplinary research and that involved the wider community in its activities and learning.

With financial support from Vice-Chancellor Alan Robson, the Centre for Integrated Human Studies was established in 2008. The Centre has a staff of three and operates with the assistance of a Policy and Management Committee and a Board of Advisors.

In 2009 the Education for World Futures Initiative was launched. This initiative proposes worldwide online delivery of integrated human studies courses through collaboration between the CIHS and partner institutions.

Integrated human studies methodology

Every discipline has its own specific methodologies that it applies to analysis and research, and there are also many generic skills that cross disciplines. In integrated human studies, students learn generic skills of research, evaluation and presentation, and are also trained to consider the broad interplay of factors in any issue, and the relevance of a range of disciplines.

An overarching principle of the methodology is human wellbeing, with equity and sustainability major considerations.