You can still enrol for classes starting in July
This subject is accepting enrolments until 7 Aug
Humanities and the World
UndergraduateMAQ-ARTX10002025
An introduction to the study of the humanities, arts, and social sciences at university—and a gateway to your arts degree. Open your mind to culture, philosophy, and language. Build transferrable skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 28 July 2025,
- 15 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $2,160
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Humanities and the World
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Identify different disciplinary approaches and methods applied in the study of the humanities.
- Recognise and advocate for the role of the humanities in society.
- Understand what transferable skills are required to succeed in contemporary life and in the workplace.
- Reflect on your earning and develop learning strategies for your studies across the Bachelor of Arts.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Session 3, which is an intensive semester that spans only 5 intensive teaching weeks, plus a mid-semester recess and an assessment period. Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Session 3. Students who would prefer to take the unit over 13 teaching weeks should enrol in the Session 1 or Session 2 offering.
What do the humanities, arts, and social sciences comprise and how do they benefit society? How do they contribute to the rapidly changing world of work? This unit is an interdisciplinary introduction to the main methods used and issues considered in the study of the humanities, arts, and social sciences, with particular reference to the key transferable skills that you will develop in your learning journey through the Bachelor of Arts. Case studies drawn from a variety of disciplines and real-life situations will be employed to illustrate the ways in which the humanities, arts, and social sciences respond to complex problems and social challenges. In addition, you will develop essential skills and strategies to succeed as a Bachelor of Arts student, which are also applicable to the subject disciplines that constitute the degree.
The grading requirement for the unit is Pass/Fail.
Students who fail a Skills Portfolio assignment will receive feedback outlining what parts need to be improved and given the opportunity to re-submit their corrected work in order to pass the hurdle.
Students who fail a quiz will be given a supplementary task in order to pass the hurdle.- Skills Portfolio 3 (40%)
- Skills Portfolio 2 (20%)
- Skills Portfolio 1 (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
15 student respondents between 26 Oct 2024 - 16 June 2025.
93%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
Single subject FAQs
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Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
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