Historians seek to understand societies by studying change and continuity over time.  History illuminates everything from individual lives to broad cultural transformations and the character of the contemporary world.  It is a core discipline in the humanities and social sciences.  It gives students knowledge and skills in research, analysis and writing that are valued in any professional context. 

The ANU is a national leader in History and offers a wide range of courses covering Australia, America, Asia and Europe.  Courses trace themes such as empire, terrorism, revolution, war, gender, race, technology and the environment. Some focus on philosophies that underlie historical analysis or techniques of historical research. All core courses train students in historical theory and method.

A Minor in History complements majors in many fields, including: politics, international relations, law, archaeology, anthropology, languages, literature, art history, philosophy, development studies, policy and any kind of area studies. 

Note: Students are not required to undertake units from the elective list and may choose to construct their minor entirely from core courses. 

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this minor will have the skills and knowledge to:

• Demonstrate understanding of at least one period or culture of the past.
• Examine historical issues by undertaking research according to the methodological and ethical conventions of the discipline.
• Analyse historical evidence, scholarship and changing representations of the past.
• Construct an evidence-based argument or narrative in audio, digital, oral, visual or written form.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (BARTS)
• Bachelor of International Relations (BIR)
• Bachelor of Pacific Studies (BPAST)