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240 cp credit points
Minimum duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time.

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Admission

Apply to relevant state Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (4, SA).

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: For Mathematics major or minor: Mathematics (other than General Mathematics). Recommended studies: For Visual Arts major or minor: Visual Arts.

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.

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Deferment

• Deferment is available for 12 months. Find out more about deferment

Course Description

The Bachelor of Arts course offers a diversity of subjects, making it attractive to students seeking a liberal arts education and the development of skills either as a basis for employment or as the foundation for further specialised study. The course is designed to produce knowledgeable, articulate, innovative graduates skilled in research, logical thought, clear expression and the application of ethical principles to decision making. Studies include the arts, humanities, technology, and the social, physical, and biological sciences. The Honours year, where available, equips students to undertake postgraduate study in their chosen discipline. The specific sequences of study available vary from campus to campus.

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Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives

BA Sequence	Melbourne	Brisbane	Strathfield	Offshore
Asian Studies	NA	major	NA	NA
Australian Studies	NA	major	minor	NA
Behavioural Science #	major	major	minor	NA
Business and Communication Studies	NA	NA	specialisation	NA
Business Studies	major	major	major	NA
Creative Arts and Culture	specialisation	specialisation	NA	NA
Communication	minor	minor	minor	NA
Computing	NA	NA	major	NA
Drama	major	major	minor	NA
East Timor Language and Cultural Studies ^	NA	NA	NA	major
Economics	NA	minor	major	NA
Education	minor	minor	minor	NA
Family Studies	minor	NA	NA	NA
Geography	NA	NA	major	NA
Gender Studies	NA	minor	NA	NA
History	major	major	major	NA
ICT **	major	major	NA	NA
Indigenous Studies ##	NA	NA	minor	NA
Italian	major (postVCE)	NA	NA	NA
Japanese	minor	NA	minor	NA
Leisure Studies	NA	minor	NA	NA
Literature	major	major	major	NA
Mathematics	major	NA	major	NA
Media	major	NA	NA	NA
Music	major	major	NA	NA
Philosophy	major	major	major	NA
Politics	minor	NA	NA	NA
Psychology # *	major	major	NA	NA
Science Studies	minor	NA	NA	NA
Sociology	major	major	electives	NA
Study of Religions	minor	minor	minor	NA
Technology **	NA	NA	major	NA
Theological Studies	major	major	major	NA
Visual Arts	major	major	major	NA
Youth Work	minor	NA	NA	NA

The majors and minors offered at each location are subject to staff availability.

• # Not permitted as majors together. [back]
• * Internal quotas may apply. [back]
• **Available only to students enrolled in the BTeach/BA (Technology) who study a sequence of twelve units in Design and Technology which is recognised as equivalent to a major and minor in Technology in the Bachelor of Arts. [back]
• ## Available only to students enrolled in the BTeach/BA (Indigenous Studies). [back]
• ^ Available only to students enrolled in the BTeach (Primary)(East Timor). [back]

ARTS232 Volunteer Experience

Students in the Bachelor of Arts course are required to complete a Volunteer Experience unit to meet graduation requirements. This unit does not incur any HECS liability or fees. Students must enrol in this unit prior to commencing Volunteer Experience. Volunteer Experience requires the completion of a total of 15 days service to a community organisation usually by the end of year 2.

Elective Unit in Community-Based Experience (CBE) – offered in NSW

HUMA243

Community Based Experience (20 cp)

Students may be offered the opportunity to complete one elective unit (10 cp) in Community-based Experience, normally in the second or third year of the course. CBE must be in an area related to a major sequence being completed by the student. The CBE unit is graded Pass/Fail only.

Projects will be organised, supervised and assessed within the relevant School. On campuses where Community-based Experience is offered the Lecturer-in-Charge of CBE is able to provide a list of suggested projects, together with the names and contact arrangements of supervisors in particular discipline areas. Students may also suggest their own projects, which should be discussed with the relevant supervisor.

It is the responsibility of each student first to choose a subject and then contact the supervisor. Once a project is agreed upon, students complete the Project Agreement Form with the supervisor. This form must be submitted no later than the end of week 10 in Semester 1 to the Lecturer-in-Charge of CBE.

CBE will involve spending a minimum of 10 working days working in the community and preparing a report on the project undertaken. CBE may be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, and is normally scheduled between early June and early August.

CBE aims to provide a balance between theory and practical application in many disciplines and to be an alternative focus to more traditional and formal learning. It may also assist students in making informed choices for career options and in widening their experiences in the diversity of Australian society.

Language Studies through the Victorian Universities' Language Consortium

The Victorian Universities' Languages Consortium was established in 1996 with membership including all universities in Victoria. One central aim of the Consortium is to facilitate and encourage cross-institutional enrolments in languages. Students wishing to undertake such studies should first seek approval from the relevant Course Coordinator or designated nominee. If approval is granted the student should then contact the host institution for an application form.

The following languages, taught at other universities, are available:

Language	Campus/University
Ancient Greek	La Trobe, Monash
Arabic	Deakin, Melbourne
Cambodian	Monash
Chinese	Ballarat, Deakin, La Trobe, Monash, RMIT, VUT
French	La Trobe, Melbourne, Monash
German	Melbourne, Monash
Greek (Modern)	La Trobe, Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, VUT
Hebrew (Modern)	Melbourne
Hindi	La Trobe
Indonesian/Malay	Deakin, La Trobe, Melbourne, Monash, VUT
Korean	Monash, Swinburne
Latin	La Trobe, Monash
Polish	Monash
Russian	Melbourne, Monash
Sanskrit	La Trobe
Spanish	La Trobe, Melbourne, Monash, VUT
Swedish	Melbourne
Thai	Monash
Turkish	Deakin
Ukrainian	Monash
Vietnamese	Monash, RMIT, Swinburne, VUT

Students should note that both ACU and host universities retain the right to limit the number of students who may enrol in language courses under such arrangements.

Language Studies in New South Wales and Queensland

In New South Wales and Queensland students may undertake language studies cross-institutionally in languages not offered at ACU, subject to the approval of the Course Co-ordinator.

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Specialisations

Business and Communication Studies

The requirements are one major and two minors selected from the following sequences:

Major	Minor 1	Minor 2
		Behavioural Science
Business Studies*		Business Studies
	Communication (compulsory)
Economics		Computing
Computing		Economics
Mathematics		Mathematics

• * If Business Studies is not the selected major then a minor in Business Studies must be completed.

Creative Arts and Culture

To qualify for this stream students require either two majors or one major and two minors from the following sequences:

Communication (minor only)	Media
Drama	Music
Literature	Visual Arts

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Majors and Minors

Asian Studies

The Asian Studies sequence is an interdisciplinary program drawing from humanities, arts and social sciences. It emphasises comparative approaches and historical and contemporary relations between societies and cultures in the Asian region. The intention of introductory units is to introduce students to the richness, diversity, dynamics and complexities of Asian societies and cultures. In advanced level units, students are provided with the opportunity to further develop historical, cultural, social, economic, geographical, philosophical and political insights necessary for understanding contemporary Asian societies and cultures and relations between nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Asian Studies]

Australian Studies

The Australian Studies sequence introduces students to a wide range of issues in Australian culture and history. There is a particular emphasis on the teaching of 'lost' histories: those, which for reasons of race, class or gender, have been ignored by traditional historians. There is also a special focus on the creative arts and their role in the development of Australian culture. Students may choose from a variety of units that offer regional as well as national perspectives. Prerequisites in other sequences may apply to some units. Details will be found in the Unit Descriptions.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Australian Studies]

Behavioural Science

The Behavioural Science sequence aims to introduce students to the content and methods of contemporary psychology. The emphasis of the course is on the dynamic and complex nature of human behaviour and how it is determined by the interaction of biological, cognitive, social and cultural factors. The content and sequencing of units has been designed to highlight the interplay between these factors and development, and are presented within a context of critical psychological enquiry. The intention in introductory level units is to enable students to study a range of topics selected from these four broad themes, which provide an integrative organisational framework for further theoretical elaboration in advanced level units.

It should be noted that the Behavioural Science major is not designed to prepare students for professional training in psychology, or to fulfil Australian Psychological Society requirements for membership.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Behavioural Science]

Business Studies

The Business Studies sequences offer students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the fields of either Human Resource Management, Marketing or, at Brisbane Campus only, International Business. These sequences begin from a special foundation unit, with additional basic learning in a second fundamental area of business, and broaden to include a range of perspectives on the main concerns of each specialist field.

Students in Sydney undertake all three of the four units in Years 1 and 2 of the course at Strathfield Campus and all units in Years 3 and 4 of the course at North Sydney Campus.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Business Studies]

Communication

The Communication sequence is designed to develop students' personal, academic, and vocational communication skills. Introductory units aim to develop students' abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and in using word-processing and presentation software: abilities that are immediately applicable to university study. Advanced units aim to deepen abilities in interpersonal relations, to examine the values on which respect for persons is based, to offer students the opportunity to write creatively and to provide specific communication skills for the workplace and in using multimedia systems.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Communication]

Computing

The computing sequence develops knowledge and skills in computing and communication systems, explores multimedia systems and introduces students to programming. The elective unit and ICT project allow each student to develop expertise in an area of particular interest. Students acquire up-to-date skills and use them to solve everyday problems in an ethical manner and learn to communicate and present their solutions effectively.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Computing]

Drama

The major sequence in Drama aims to introduce students to the study of plays as texts for performance as well as to the changing conventions and techniques of dramatic presentation. Because drama is a fluid art form, which reshapes itself in response to complex social changes and pressures, there is an emphasis on relating dramatic texts and forms to historical and cultural forces and to evolving technologies. The general introduction to the nature and conventions of drama in the introductory level units leads to advanced level units, exploring in more depth traditional and contemporary texts and analysing the theory and processes of theatrical performance.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Drama]

East Timor Language and Cultural Studies

The aim of the major sequence in East Timor Language and Cultural Studies is to provide an additional pathway to students studying primary education in Baucau, for the completion of the Diploma in Liberal Studies. It is intended that students will enrol in the Diploma in Liberal Studies which derives all of its units from the Bachelor of Arts.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: East Timor Language and Cultural Studies]

Economics

The aim of the major sequence in Economics is to promote a knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the scope, content and methodology of mainstream, neo-classical economics in particular. Each of the eight units concentrates on developing the ability of students to analyse theoretical and applied aspects of the subject critically. In the introductory level units, the emphasis is on laying a solid foundation of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and analysis. These units enable students to proceed to the remaining 6 units which stress analytical and policy issues; for example, Economic Systems and Development Economics.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Economics]

Education (only offered as a Minor)

The units address the general concepts which underpin the field of education, the general principles on which education is based, and the study of the context of education in society. The sequence is ideal both for students who are preparing for teaching in schools and for those who may have an interest in non-school settings.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Education]

Family Studies

Family Studies is a multidisciplinary approach to research and theories about families, family members and interpersonal relationships. Units within the family studies sequence concentrate on issues that confront individuals or groups of people within a family or community setting. Family studies units focus on prevention, intervention and post intervention strategies from the perspectives of theology, sociology, psychology, youth studies and social work. Any human service worker would benefit enormously from the knowledge presented in this sequence.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Family Studies]

Gender Studies (only offered as a Minor)

The Gender Studies sequence introduces students to the most significant debates within the Gender Studies area in both the Australian and global context. Questions regarding the changing nature of women's societal roles across cultures, classes and generations are fundamental to this sequence. The main theoretical frameworks that students will become acquainted with include anglophone and francophone feminist theories as well as subaltern and minority perspectives. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the sequence will ground the discussion of these debates within specific social and cultural contexts. Sources including historical, scientific, literary, religious, psychological and sociological works and the creative arts will be used. The emphasis of the sequence is on the dynamic interaction between ideologies of femininity and masculinity and their concrete expression within day–to–day life. By the completion of the sequence students will be able to apply the various disciplines to specific historical, cultural and regional cases.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Gender Studies]

Geography

The Geography sequence aims to address the content and methodology of contemporary geography. The sequence emphasises the holistic nature of the discipline in a dynamic spatial and temporal context. Consequently the interaction of the physical and the human environment are pivotal studies within the sequence.

The geography sequence is designed to expose students to a range of applied environmental issues, provide a methodology for analysis and interpretation, and enable students to evaluate management strategies. These skills can then be applied in a range of applied professional situations.

The introductory level units provide a formative grounding in concepts and skills which are applied in subsequent units in the sequence. There is emphasis upon applied studies as the sequence progresses, with associated development of skills in data collection (in the field and from secondary sources), collation and analysis using spreadsheets, and interpretation. The sequence culminates in students undertaking a research study of their choosing. Field Trips are a requirement for all students in Geography. Students will need to pay a fee towards transport for the Field Trip.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Geography]

History

The History sequence aims to introduce students to the nature of historical thinking and to develop skills in the analysis, synthesis and understanding of evidence in order to study how historians interpret and write about the past.

All students undertaking a major or minor in history must include at least one unit in Australian History at introductory level. Students undertaking a History major must take the compulsory unit in Historiography.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: History]

Indigenous Studies

The Indigenous Studies sequence aims to introduce students to issues of identity, culture, history and identity as they relate to Australian Indigenous Communities. It focuses on the interrelationships between past, present and future, placing Indigenous issues within a local, regional, state and national context and identifying the contribution which Indigenous peoples make to Australian society. The sequence is available only to students enrolled in the BT/BA (Indigenous Studies) course.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Indigenous Studies]

Italian

The purpose of the Italian major sequence is to develop a student's functional usage and understanding of everyday Italian, with specific reference to speaking, reading, writing and comprehension.

The content and sequencing of the units has been designed to allow students to gradually develop competence in using the language and to acquire familiarity with salient aspects of both Italian and Italo–Australian culture and literature. The intention in 100-level units is to introduce students to the basic structures of Italian lexico–grammar, which are further developed in 200-level units.

In 300-level units, emphasis is placed on syntax and advanced written and oral expression. This allows students to read classical texts and to communicate in Italian in the workplace.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Italian]

Japanese (only offered as a Minor)

The Japanese Language Studies sequence aims to give students a solid foundation in reading, writing, speaking and aural skills in contemporary Japanese language. The sequence is designed to give students maximum exposure to a wide range of language forms and the necessary practical situations to use those forms in a competent and meaningful way.

The content and sequencing of the units is organised to build upon the developmental nature of learning the Japanese language. Important socio–cultural elements also feature in the course content, encouraging students to use and understand the Japanese language in its appropriate context.

The 100 and 200-level units build the foundational elements of the Japanese language. The 300-level units extend language capabilities in a variety of different formats.

Students are able to enter the sequence at a level appropriate to their competence. Students with little or no knowledge of the language are able to complete a major or a minor by beginning with the basic units (Beginners' stream). Students who have completed Year 12 Japanese or who have equivalent qualifications are able to complete a major or minor by beginning with the unit JAPN102 Japanese 3. These students will need to complete the sequence by undertaking two additional units by cross-institutional studies.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Japanese]

Leisure Studies (only offered as a Minor)

This sequence aims to introduce students to the theories and concepts of contemporary leisure and recreation studies. Leisure and recreation concepts are central life interests in the context of contemporary Australian society and are directly related to 'quality of life' concerns. The sequence introduces students to a range of topics including fitness, nutrition, movement and the significance of leisure and recreation in a holistic approach to personal development.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Leisure Studies]

Literature

The Literature major sequence aims to provide students with a sound working knowledge of literary texts in all genres and an awareness of a range of current critical approaches.

The introductory level units provide the basis for the development of critical and analytical skills through the study of a variety of texts, and include a focus on Australian literature.

At advanced level students may choose from Group A units, which are period studies, and Group B units, which represent a broad range of different critical perspectives: generic, thematic, ideological, comparative, and special – focus units.

Students undertaking a major in Literature may also include up to two cross–credited units, chosen from those listed below. Students undertaking a minor in Literature may include one cross– credited unit.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Literature]

Mathematics

The units that comprise the major sequence in Mathematics have been designed to provide an in-depth study of mathematics appropriate for those intending to be secondary teachers of mathematics, or for those graduates who seek a career in another field which draws upon mathematical thought.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Mathematics]

Media

The Media sequence is designed to introduce students to studies in both processes and products in the electronic and print media and to the theories underpinning their roles in society. Introductory units are designed to develop analytical skills in media production and set the context for subsequent studies in broadcasting policy analysis. Units combining theory and practice will enable involvement in a variety of production processes and an application of these to media text analysis. This combination of media production and analysis is carried through to offer students with an opportunity to examine both media policy development and the effects of new communication technologies on the production process.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Media]

Music

The Music major sequence is designed for students who have completed approved Year 12 studies in music, Australian Music Examination Board or Trinity College London Grade 6 Practical or Grade 5 Theory of Music, or equivalent, and for students who lack such a background.

Students entering the music sequence without background studies may undertake two of the introductory units Fundamentals of Music 1, Fundamentals of Music 2, and The Arts and Culture. No credit will be given for Fundamentals of Music units on the basis of pre–tertiary study.

The following minor sequence is recommended for students who lack background studies in music.

Any 2 of:

MUSC109

Introduction to Music Theory

MUSC110

Introduction to Writing Music

ARTS107

The Arts and Culture

and at least 2 advanced units chosen from any of the following areas:

1. Techniques and Theory of Music;
2. History of Music;
3. Liturgical Music.

Discrete major sequences may be taken in the broad areas of History of Music and Techniques and Theory of Music, but students may also complete majors and minors by mixing units from these two areas or from the area of Liturgical Music, subject to satisfying prerequisites for individual units.

The History of Music units include a full range of period studies covering the history of Western music, and units that are defined by geography and genre. By making a critical study of works by representative composers, and by examining the forces that have helped to shape music in the past, the student is expected to come to an intelligent understanding of the development of musical style. The units Music in Western Society and Music in non–Western Society provide an overview of music in Western and non–Western society, and provide an introduction to the sociology of music.

The Techniques and Theory of Music units provide a study of the materials of music from the standpoint of compositional technique. The contents of the units Music Language Studies 1–6 are period–based and relate to the period studies in the History of Music units. These units concentrate on aspects such as harmonic and contrapuntal analysis, and on exercises in original composition using the styles and forms studied. They include associated training in aural skills, sight–singing techniques, keyboard musicianship, and a study of musical scoring and arranging making use of appropriate computer programs.

Liturgical Music units are designed to focus on the repertoire and contextual use of liturgical music, and complement Liturgical Studies units available in the Theology sequence.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Music]

Philosophy

The sequence in Philosophy is designed to introduce students to the main areas of the discipline through a study of the ideas and arguments of some of the key figures in the history of Western thought, and through a consideration of the relevance of those ideas and arguments to contemporary philosophical debates.

The sequence seeks to develop skills in philosophical discourse and enquiry so that students can critically explore their own beliefs and the beliefs of others.

The introductory level units provide those undertaking the sequence, and other interested students, with a general introduction to the content and methods of philosophy.

A special feature of the sequence is the attention given to the logical status of, and justification for, the fundamental beliefs of the Christian tradition. Some of these beliefs are considered in their own right in such units as Faith and Reason and Metaphysics. Throughout the sequence reference is made to the implications that historical and contemporary philosophical debates have for the Christian faith.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Philosophy]

Politics (only offered as a Minor)

Politics is an enquiry into the decision–making process: how particular societies and persons develop structures and arrangements to resolve the problems of conflict, resource allocation and culture. Because the nature of politics is broad, dealing with the inter-relationships which exist in the personal and social world, it is a discipline that overlaps with other major humanities or social science subjects.

The study of politics will give students the opportunity to examine the theories, institutional arrangements, issues and cultural factors that affect the decision-making process. The latter part of the sequence offers opportunities to explore the political process in specific areas.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Politics]

Psychology

The Psychology sequence provides students with a comprehensive and systematic study of human behaviour. The emphasis is on the dynamic nature of human behaviour and the interaction of biological, social and cultural factors that influence behaviour at all levels and at all stages of the life span.

The introductory level units lay out a fundamental conceptual foundation dealing with general theoretical approaches to the study of human behaviour. The units are intended to introduce the student to the theories, content and methods of psychological enquiry sufficient to sustain a more substantial understanding at later year levels. The advanced level units are designed to reflect major themes in Psychology. To satisfy the requirements of an Australian Psychological Society three-year sequence in Psychology, students must complete a major study in this area.

Students who complete the Psychology sequence are eligible to apply for fourth year courses in Psychological Science, for example, Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Psychology]

Science Studies

The Science Studies sequence is designed to enable students to develop an appreciation of scientific principles and applications. Throughout the sequence students will be encouraged to consider the role of science in society. The two introductory level units provide a basic study in biological and physical science.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Science Studies]

Sociology

Sociology is concerned with critically analysing the institutions and ways of life that constitute modern societies. The sequence begins by studying a broad range of topics and debates in the discipline. Advanced level units are more specialised, focusing on areas that are of crucial interest to sociologists, such as developments in sociological theory, the methods of research, and the problems and possibilities that confront particular groups of persons and organisations in societies like our own.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Sociology]

Study of Religions (only offered as a Minor)

The sequence in Study of Religions enables student to undertake a minor in units concerned with the diversity of religious experience and expression in different belief systems and interfaith relations and dialogue. The offering of the sequence distinctively tailors ACU programs to meet the needs of future teachers seeking employment in Catholic and Christian schools. 'Study of Religions' assists students to engage with the major religious traditions of our world and appreciate their impact on Australian society.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Study of Religions]

Theological Studies

The sequence in Theological Studies enables students undertaking the general Bachelor of Arts degree to follow a major or minor sequence consisting of a variety of units from the theological disciplines.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Theological Studies]

Visual Arts

Visual Arts is offered as a major or minor sequence in the BA course. Both sequences are designed to cater for a diversity of interests among students and combine practical experiences in studio production together with theoretical studies in art and design history and theory.

The introductory level studio-based units provide fundamental knowledge and skills selected from a range of media areas. ARTS109 2D Studies 1 and ARTS113 2D Studies 2 provide experiences selected from amongst drawing, painting, print-making, photography or a combination of these. ARTS110 3D/4D Object Design 1 and ARTS114 3D/4D Object Design 2 provide experiences selected from amongst sculpture, film, video, ceramics, etc. or a combination of these.

The art history and theory units investigate key issues in art and design history, theory and criticism.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Visual Arts]

Youth Work (only offered as a Minor)

Students in the Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne) may complete a minor study sequence in Youth Work. The units in this sequence aim to allow students to develop an understanding of the Youth Work sector and the concept of adolescent development, including the various frameworks for understanding the phenomenon of young people's development. The importance of youth research and the essential principles of ethical youth work practice are investigated.

[up to Specialisations, Majors, Minors and Electives: Youth Work]