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Studying Anthropology
at Monash
Since opening its doors, Monash University has been a centre for
studying the world’s diversity. Traditionally, studies have focused on
the societies of Australia, Asia and the Pacific, but more recently we
have become interested in a far greater range of areas and phenomena.
Studies in Anthropology will enable you to reflect on your own cultural
world from perspectives that may differ radically from your own.
This reflection is a two-way process, anthropology can make the
strange seem familiar but it can also make the familiar seem strange
as it challenges our assumptions about the way the world works.
WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY?
Anthropology is the comparative study
of different ways of life.
It explores an ‘insider’ perspective on interpreting
human behaviour by asking questions about
what people do, why they do it, what they mean
by it, what motivates them to do it and what
people value in diverse societies and cultures.
Anthropologists gain this knowledge and
understanding experientially by immersing
themselves in the lives of others. Through a
method called fieldwork they observe the lives
of others by living with them, sharing their
experiences and discussing their perspectives
to gain a detailed understanding of their
cultural world.
STUDENT PROFILE
Read the experience of an anthropology
research student.
Dr James Barry is currently a Monash PhD
student who has written a thesis about Iran’s
Armenian community. Although Iran’s population
consists mostly of Shiite Muslims, the country’s
ethnic and religious makeup is diverse.
James’ research has been dedicated to
understanding the various ways in which this
minority form part of the greater Iranian nation,
as well as those points at which they distinguish
themselves from it.
ABOUT US
After studying basic Armenian, James spent a
long fieldwork period living in Tehran and mingling
with Iranian-Armenians as they went about their
routines. While awaiting graduation, James is
teaching part of the anthropology program and
working to publish his research findings.
Exciting Career Prospects
Anthropologists are playing an increasingly
important role in the modern world.
In fields as diverse as journalism, climate change,
mining, dispute-resolution and peace-building,
social policy, indigenous issues, development aid
and emergency assistance, anthropologists are
called upon to contribute their specialised
knowledge and understanding.
The skills you develop in anthropology can
lead to careers in a wide variety of sectors:
// indigenous affairs
// health and education
// research and teaching
Our academics gain knowledge and
understanding by immersing themselves
in the lives of others.
We help you understand how anthropologists
work, and nurture the development of
professional skills as you complete your studies.
As we look at different groups of people
– usually brought together through a collective
identity based on religious, political, social or
economic factors – we observe, share
experiences and discuss perspectives to gain
a detailed understanding of their cultural world.
Through us, you’ll discover that the social
contexts in which fieldwork is conducted can be
extremely varied, but as anthropologists we share
a commitment to exploring and understanding
distinct ways of life and diverse cultural views.
You’ll also benefit from our involvement and
practical experience.
Professor Greg Barton, the Head of
Anthropology, is Acting Director of the Centre
for Islam and the Modern World (CIMOW),
Deputy UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and
Intercultural Relations for the Asia Pacific,
and is active in the Global Terrorism Research
Centre (GTReC).
// curation and collections work
// roles within the development industry
(state and private)
// any role in which cross-cultural knowledge
and behavioural insight is of value.
Australia ■ China ■ India ■ Italy ■ Malaysia ■ South Africa
www.monash.edu
CRICOS Provider: Monash University 00008C
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How to study Anthropology at
Monash University
Anthropology offers you a wide range of units
to choose from, starting from first year up to third
COMPLEMENTARY STUDY AREAS
Develop an understanding of
cultural difference.
There are many fields of study that will
complement and enhance your study
of anthropology.
>
COURSE OVERVIEW
The field of anthropological inquiry covers many
areas. For this reason, we offer a program that
provides you with core units as well as
specialised study. As an anthropology student,
you may explore the following areas during
your course:
Some of these include specific language
programs, linguistics, indigenous studies,
music and sociology.
// Knowledge across cultures: What can we
know of others? How can we know it?
OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY OVERSEAS
// Cross-cultural approaches to religion:
What is shared and what is unique in religious
experience around the world?
Anthropologists travel more than scholars in
any other discipline.
// Political anthropology: How do forms of power
and conflict differ cross-culturally?
// Visual anthropology: What are the ethics
and aesthetics of depicting other peoples?
// Ethnography: Can we describe, interpret and
explain other distinct ways of life?
You can find out more here:
artsonline.monash.edu.au/
anthropology
Taking part in anthropology studies, you’ll get the
opportunity to venture to unique areas where you
can apply your expertise. Recently, our staff and
students have travelled to environments in
outback Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Timor Leste
– just to name a few.
// Theories of culture: Can we make sense
of culture and explain cultural difference?
// Fieldwork: What methods allow us to know
other peoples? How/do they work?
Faculty of Arts
Building 11, First floor, West wing
Monash University
Clayton 3800
You can find out more here
www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks
/aos/anthropology
03 9902 6011
http://ask.monash.edu
www.facebook.com/MonashArts