As a Bachelor of Arts graduate you will be valued by employers for your ability to gather information, think critically, assess and interpret evidence, and communicate clearly.
Bachelor of Arts graduates often combine their degree with a postgraduate qualification in, for example, teaching, journalism, librarianship, management, psychology or criminology, to prepare themselves for specialised employment.
A Bachelor of Arts followed by CSU's graduate entry Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) is a pathway to secondary teaching. Further study in the Master of Teaching (Primary) is another option for students looking to become primary teachers.
Less traditional combinations have also become common, for example,
Electives may be chosen from the following, providing that prerequisites for specific subjects are met:
Except by permission of the Course Coordinator in cases where credit has been granted, students are required:
No more than 13 subjects from a single discipline may be counted towards the Bachelor of Arts degree.
A ‘discipline’ is defined as follows:
Art History
The Art History major is designed to provide a thorough understanding of artworks, artists, and the role of art in society, in the past as well as the present. It introduces a range of theories about why art is produced and how it functions. Students develop their skills in looking at and analysing artworks, and in considering the social context of art and the biography and psychology of the artist. Practical studio skills or previous study in Art History are not essential.
The major recognises areas of arts practice beyond painting and sculpture. Consideration of other arts and mediums is integrated into the course, with specialised subjects in design, photography and electronic media. Questions about the role and function of the arts in today’s society and issues of gender, class and ethnicity are canvassed.
Art History is of relevance to students training to be practitioners in the arts and to those intending to be teachers, arts administrators, librarians, and gallery and museum officers, as well as having a strong non-vocational attraction for art-lovers. Students proceeding to Honours in Art History at CSU have the opportunity to undertake curatorial studies and internships.
All subjects in the major are available on campus or distance education.
Students are provided with extensive study guides and readings. In addition, they have access to specially developed picture resources on the internet, video and CD-ROM.
English
English as an academic discipline involves the study of literature in the English language. Although the reading of literature involves pleasure, it also demands rigour and critical intelligence. In particular, English develops attentiveness to the workings of language that is highly valued in many walks of life.
First-year English subjects provide a broad history of the development of the literature of England until the 19th Century. Subsequently, attention moves to predominantly 19th and 20th Century literature, and to Ireland and to other parts of the world such as America and Australia, which produce literature in English. Subjects are also available on literary theory, children’s literature, creative writing and literature and film.
History
We cannot understand current events, and our place in the world, without history. History’s concern with the past is essential to questions of identity and national roles. We all use images of the past as a basis for judgment, even if we do so in an unthinking way. The chief role of the academic discipline of history is to ensure that those images are as accurate as possible, based on rigorous study rather than myth or prejudice. History teaching also emphasises the importance of skills such as information seeking, critical thinking, interpreting evidence, and writing coherently and persuasively.
The study of history is essential to understanding the major conflicts and problems of our time. This is true of particular current controversies and of perennial questions. There are national controversies which are dependent upon an understanding of history, such as whether or not Australia should become a republic. International issues, such as why Australian troops have been involved in a series of foreign conflicts, from the Boer War in the 19th Century to the invasion of Iraq in the new millennium, cannot be resolved without historical enquiry. Whenever assessing economic or political arguments, one needs a grasp of 20th Century history. This is all the more urgent in our own time, when mythical and ideological claims are being made and often passed off as ‘fact'. For instance, an historian is well able to explain why the border between East Timor and Australia has been undefined and disputed for decades, or why the golden-domed mosque in Jerusalem has become a symbol for competing nationalist claims in the Middle East. Without knowing the past, one cannot really understand these present issues. Historians are valued by the general community for their ability to look beyond the present, and cut away misconceptions.
The study of past human activity ranges from history’s more traditional forms, emphasising politics and conflict, to social, economic and cultural concerns. Family and gender relations, race and ethnicity, class relations, the natural and built environment, and the everyday lives of ordinary people are among the fields which now provide the focus for some of the most stimulating work done by historians. The History major, which concentrates on 20th Century history, reflects this variety through its strengths in political, cultural and social history, Australian history and international history. Your study in history begins with introductory subjects at first level, thematic studies at second level and specialised in-depth studies, which build on existing work at third level.
Studying history will enhance employment prospects in a variety of fields. Particular areas of employment include administration, the media, teaching, research, librarianship, archival, museum and heritage positions. History provides skills relevant to future employment – skills in information seeking, critical thinking, assessing, interpreting and judging evidence and writing abilities highly sought in today’s world of information and communication.
Postgraduate diplomas in areas such as education, journalism, management, information management or curatorship add to the employability of history graduates. In addition, the history major can provide the basis for further study towards an Honours degree in history, and Master and Doctoral programs.
Philosophy
Philosophy as an academic practice arises out of the attempt to answer questions that cannot be resolved simply by discovering more facts. Anyone who has ever asked themselves whether a loving God could allow suffering in the world, what the limits of loyalty to friends should be, or whether democracy is necessarily the best political system, has in fact been asking philosophical questions. Thus Philosophy arises from common questions and makes use of a standard way of approaching those questions. Over thousands of years of history Philosophy has developed a rich body of techniques and methods. In recent years philosophers have engaged with problems of ‘applied ethics’ such as business and professional morality, new technology, and rights of access to medical treatment. Philosophy emphasises clarity and economy of thought and expression, and especially the offering and evaluation of reasons in support of claims.
The Philosophy major at Charles Sturt University gives students access to this rich body of philosophical method and discussion. It has an emphasis on ethics and social philosophy, enabling it to complement the professional disciplines taught within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Psychology
The choice of Psychology as a major or minor is appealing to many students, due to its focus on human behaviour and thinking. A Psychology major offers a diversity of subject material, as psychologists have studied almost every aspect of human activity. Students learn psychology’s methods of enquiry as well as its discoveries.
The Bachelor of Arts with a 10 subject accredited Psychology major is the first step toward a career in Psychology. To practise as a psychologist, you must comply with the requirements of the state registration board. The NSW Psychologists Registration Board requires an accredited four-year sequence of academic training in Psychology followed by two years of supervised experience, or a two-year accredited postgraduate degree in Psychology.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the national organisation for psychologists. The requirements to become a full member of the APS are six years of university training (a four-year undergraduate qualification and a two-year postgraduate degree). Those with four years of training will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership. APS membership is not required for state practice, but it is recommended for professional development.
Students may also take an eight-subject major (non-accredited) in Psychology.
Sociology
Sociology is the science of society, studying ways in which societies operate by focusing on their constituent parts, their structure and process. Sociologists are interested in small social units, families, gangs, communes, sports teams and so on, and the connection between these and large institutions such as political, economic and legal systems. Sociologists aim to achieve as comprehensive and profound an understanding as possible of the whole structure of the society, its strengths, weaknesses and problems, and of the forces that cause social problems.
In simple terms, sociologists are interested in people and the way they relate to others. In studying social life, sociologists seek to understand human behaviour, identify the factors which guide or direct social life and the causes of problems, and attempt to provide explanations for the ills of modern societies, also proposing ways of responding to these social issues and problems. As a consequence, those who study Sociology are expected to acquire insights into the nature of their social surroundings and will be able to reach an informed opinion on contemporary social issues.
They will also acquire analytical and critical skills that will be of use in their personal growth and development as well as in many fields of employment.
The Bachelor of Arts is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education. The Psychology major is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society.
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (normally equal to 24 subjects). No more than 64 points may be taken outside the Faculty of Arts.
An Honours year is available
"I am very impressed by the quality of courses and subjects as well as the quality of teaching. As I am a mature aged student, it’s a big decision financially and mentally to study and you can have doubts, but the support and help I received from lecturers made me feel very comfortable. CSU has a lot to offer ... anyone who comes here would be doing themselves a favour."
Madeline Denholm
Bachelor of Arts
| Study through | Wagga Wagga |
| Study mode and normal course duration | 3 years full-time on campus 6 years part-time on campus 6 years distance education |
| Course code | Full-time:
211004 Part-time: KALQ Distance education: EALQ |
| Fees |
Commonwealth supported place |
| Session available | February/July*
(Semester basis) * distance education only |
| Apply through | UAC - full-time on campus study CSU Admissions Office - part-time or distance education study |
| UAI cut-offs | 65.00 |
| Study through | Wagga Wagga |
| Study mode and normal course duration | 3 years full-time - onshore (within Australia) 6 years distance education - offshore* |
| Course code | CRICOS code:
000649C Program code: 1408LB |
| Fees | Onshore - see fee list Offshore - see fee list |
| Session available | February/July* (Semester basis) |
| Apply through | CSU International Admissions |
The Bachelor of Arts course is made up of 24 subjects organised as three sequences and a number of electives.
Students must complete the subject COM120 Reasoning, Values and Communication and either:
A major (64 points) consists of eight single-session subjects in one discipline, two subjects at Level 1, at least two subjects at Level 2, and at least two subjects at Level 3.
A minor (40 points) consists of five single-session subjects in one discipline.
Most minors consist of two subjects at Level 1, at least one subject at Level 2, and at least one subject at Level 3.
Possible course structures
Level 1
ART113 European Art 1850-1920
ART114 Modern Art 1920-1970
Level 2
At least two from:
ART210 Australian Art to 1939*
ART215 Australian Art from 1939*
ART214 Aspects of Design, 1850 to the Present
ART222 Art, Technology and Culture
Level 3
At least two from:
ART310 Issues in Contemporary Art
ART316 Italian Renaissance Art
ART317 Art and Books
ART318 The Body in Art
* All students must complete at least one of ART210 or ART215.
Note: some Level 3 subjects may be offered in rotation from year to year.
Level 1
LIT107 English Literature 1
LIT108 English Literature 2
Level 2
At least two from:
LIT201 Irish Literature
LIT212 American Literature
LIT214 Australian Literature
LIT216 Introduction to Literary Theory
LIT222 Contemporary Children’s Texts
LIT221 Creative Writing
or
WRT210 Writing for Publication
Level 3
At least two from:
COM327 Literature and Film
LIT301 Modernism
LIT302 Contemporary Australian Writing
LIT303 The English Novel from Austen to Lawrence
LIT316 Children’s Fiction
Level 1
HST101 The Contemporary World 1
HST102 The Contemporary World 2
Level 2
At least two from:
HST201 Colonial Australia
HST204 Twentieth Century Australia
HST210 Media and Society in the Twentieth Century
HST211 Gender, Sexuality and Identity in Europe from 1890
HST212 Film and History
Level 3
At least two from:
HST301 International History from 1945
HST303 Literature and Society
HST308 Australia and Asia
HST310 Drugs and Alcohol: Historical Perspectives
HST311 Local History in Context
Level 1
PHL101 Applied Ethics
PHL103 Theories of Human Nature
Level 2
At least two from:
PHL201 Critical Reasoning
PHL202 Ethical Theory
POL205 Political Ideas
PHL206 Problems of Philosophy
PHL209 Theories of Justice
Level 3
At least two from:
PHL301 Philosophy of Religion
PHL302 Values and Decisions
PHL304 Philosophy of Science
PHL305 The Self
Level 1
PSY101 Foundations of Psychology 1
PSY102 Foundations of Psychology 2
Level 2
PSY201 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
PSY204 Psychological Testing and two from:
PSY202 Developmental Psychology
PSY203 Social Psychology
PSY208 Biopsychology
Level 3
PSY301 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
and three of the following, one of which must be PSY307 or PSY308
PSY303 Psychology of Language
PSY304 Psychopathology
PSY305 Psychology of Personality
PSY306 Theories of Psychological Intervention
PSY307 Cognition
PSY308 Psychology of Learning
PSY317 Psychology of Health and Illness
PSY318 Management Psychology
Note: Students may undertake PSY103 Introduction to Psychological Enquiry as a third Level 1 subject instead of completing either their third Level 2 subject or their third Level 3 subject.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has accredited the psychology major as satisfying the first three years towards the requirements for Associate Membership of the APS. Associate Membership requires four years of accredited study.
Students who do not need the accredited psychology major may take an eight-subject major from the core subjects above that is consistent with the requirements for other majors within the BA. Specifically it should comprise PSY101 PSY102 PSY201 at least one other Level 2 subject, at least two Level 3 subjects, and two other subjects that can be either Level 2 or 3.
It is expected that students will complete Level 1 subjects in Psychology before progressing to Level 2 subjects, and Level 2 subjects in Psychology before progressing to Level 3.
Further details of the requirements for a major or minor in Psychology may be obtained from the Psychology Discipline Convenor.
Distance education students enrolled in the following subjects will be expected to enrol in residential schools:
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology
PSY204 Psychological Testing
PSY301 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
PSY304 Psychopathology
PSY308 Psychology of Learning
Most of the residential schools are held on the Bathurst Campus.
Further details of the requirements for a major or minor in Psychology may be obtained from the Psychology Discipline Convenor. Distance education students planning either a major or a minor should consult the Discipline Convenor at the end of their first year of psychology in order to plan their program for the remaining psychology subjects.
Level 1
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
and at least one from:
SOC102 Social Inequality
SOC108 Sociology of Health and Healthcare
Level 2
SOC205 Social Research
and at least one from:
SOC201 Gender and Social Change
SOC203 Sociology of Youth
SOC217 Fame and Social Control
SOC226 Rurality in a Globalised World
Level 3
SOC303 Sociological Theory
and at least one from:
SOC302 Environment and Society
SOC308 Community Analysis
SOC314 Organisations, Culture and Society
Only one minor may be taken from outside the major sequences.
Level 1
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services
and
PSY113 Child and Adolescent Psychology
or
PSY101 Foundations of Psychology 1
and
PSY102 Foundations of Psychology 2
Level 2
At least one from:
PSY211 Psychology of Crime
PSY213 Abnormal Psychology
PSY214 Health Psychology
PSY216 Psychology of Ageing
PSY218 Psychology of Substance Abuse
Level 3
At least one from:
PSY313 Psychology and the Legal System
PSY316 Psychology of Stress and Trauma
HST102 The Contemporary World 2
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
SOC226 Rurality in a Globalised World
and one from:
POL212 Global Politics and Culture
HST301 International History from 1945 and one from:
COM219 Media, Communication and Globalisation
HST308 Australia and Asia
SOC315 Immigration and Settlement Policy
Students who wish to include SOC101 and/or SOC226 in a sociology major/minor, or who wish to include HST102 in a history major/minor, should complete this minor by including more than one subject from the non-compulsory subjects listed above. Students must complete at least one Level 3 subject.
Level 1
JST104 Foundations of Criminology
Level 2
JST205 Criminology
PHL209 Theories of Justice and any two from (must include at least one Level 3 subject):
JST201 Criminal Law and Process
JST203 Punishment and the State
JST204 Crime, Delinquency and Social Welfare
JST222 Policing and Society
JST302 Criminological Perspectives on Social Problems
JST318 Human Rights and Policing
JST320 Drugs, Crime and Society
JST321 Government, Civil Society and Justice
PSY211 Psychology of Crime
Level 1
SOC101 Introductory Sociology
SPE101 Introduction to Politics and Social Policy
Level 2
SOC218 Policy, Power and Social Action
SOC219 Policy Research
and at least one from (must include at least one Level 3 subject):
SPE201 Politics and Social Policy in Australia
SOC302 Environment and Society
SOC308 Community Analysis
SOC315 Immigration and Settlement Policy
Students who wish to include SOC101 in a sociology minor or major should complete this minor by including two subjects from the non-compulsory subjects listed above.
Level 1
One from:
POL101 Australian Government and Politics
SPE101 Social Policy 1
Level 2
At least one from:
PAD210 Public Administration
POL204 Australian Welfare Politics
POL205 Political Ideas
POL210 Politics of Identity
POL212 Global Politics and Culture
Level 3
HST301 International History from 1945
PAD320 Public Policy
POL305 Politics and the Media
Level 1
At least two from:
THL105 Introduction to Old Testament Studies
THL106 Introduction to New Testament Studies
THL111 Introduction to Christian Theology
THL131 The Christian Church to 500CE
Level 2
At least two from:
THL205 Luke – Acts
THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions
THL224 Biblical and Social Ethics
THL225 Aboriginal Spirituality and Culture
THL236 Science and Religion
Level 3
At least one from:
PHL301 Philosophy of Religion
THL303 Judaism and Early Christianity
THL313 Feminist Theology
THL322 Theology, the Arts and Film
THL334 Interfaith Dialogue
VIS101 Visual Communication
and four from:
ART214 Aspects of Design
ART222 Art, Technology and Culture
ART315 Perspectives in Photography
COM123 Screen Studies
COM327 Literature and Film
HST212 Film and HistoryWriting
LIT220 Screenwriting
LIT221 Creative Writing
WRT210 Writing for Publication
WRT211 Screenwriting Television Drama Series
WRT301 Life Writing
Level 1
ITC182 Understanding and Using Computers
ITC202 Database Systems Management
Level 2
ITC211 The Systems Environment
ITC215 Decision Support
Level 3
ITC383 Strategic Information Management
Level 1
ECO110 Microeconomics
ECO120 Macroeconomics
Level 2
At least one from:
ECO210 Labour Economics
ECO220 Macroeconomic Analysis
FIN340 International Finance
Level 3
At least one from:
ECO310 Economic Philosophy and Policy
ECO320 International Economics
ECO330 Regional Sustainable Development
ECO340 International Finance
Level 1
BIO100 Concepts of Biology
GEO164 Earth System Processes
Level 2
At least one from:
BIO200 Principles of Ecology
GEO226 Soil and Land Survey
Level 3
At least one from:
BIO317 Restoration Ecology
or
BIO327 Wildlife Ecology and Management
GEO313 River Hydrology and Geomorphology
Level 1
BMS191 Human Bioscience 1
BMS192 Human Bioscience 2
Level 2
BMS291 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1
BMS292 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
Level 3
BMS301 Medical Science Special Topic
Level 1
At least one from:
LAW100 The Australian Legal System
LAW110 Business Law
Level 2
At least one from:
LAW211 Law for the Human Services 1 *
LAW220 Business Organisations Law
LAW221 Law for the Human Services 2 *
LAW240 Industrial Law
LAW260 Administrative Law
Level 3
At least one from:
COM326 Industrial and Legal Issues in the Arts *
LAW330 Finance Law
LAW350 Advanced Commercial Law
* Faculty of Arts subjects
Level 1
MTH101 Mathematics 1A
MTH102 Mathematics 1B
Level 2
MTH203 Numerical Methods
MTH218 Multivariable Calculus
MTH219 Linear Algebra
or
MTH220 Ordinary Differential Equations
To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:
Previous studies include:
NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Universities Admissions Index (UAI) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.
Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
There are no additional requirements associated with the application for enrolment into this course
For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:
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Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) |