Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
How does understanding the past help us to understand the present and predict the future? What have been the major transitions in the history of human interactions with the planet? What are the most important current and future possibilities? The cosmos originated 16 billion years ago and the Earth, four billion years ago. The human species evolved 250,000 years ago, but has had an increasing impact on the planet. At no other time in history have past actions been so salient to present and future prospects. This unit examines the historical context of our current situation as the dominant species on the planet and looks towards the future by examining possible scenarios for the twenty-first century and beyond. From the point of view of deep time and big history, the unit follows the great transitions (the creative explosion of the late Neolithic, the agricultural and industrial revolutions, and the great acceleration of the twenty-first century) that have helped to shape the modern age. In an age of globalisation, new technologies, borderless economics and a clash of values, it also examines a range of possible scenarios for human and world futures. Students develop a range of skills as they create timelines and graphs to map and represent change over time, and build scenarios to map out future possibilities. The unit provides students with a broad understanding of where we are now and where we are heading. As they learn about the historical context of the twenty-first century, they gain skills relevant to a range of fields and professions across business, government and non-government sectors.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students gain (1) an understanding of human evolution and history; (2) an understanding of the interconnections between past, present and future and insights into future possibilities; (3) a basic understanding of historical and futures methods; (4) the ability to use online technologies to collaborate with others and build shared understandings; and (5) the ability to use online technologies to create basic websites, timelines and future scenarios of value to the broader community.
- Assessment
This comprises a portfolio of activities (50 per cent), an assignment including website production (25 per cent) and assessment based on contribution to group activities (25 per cent).
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Neville Bruce
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- IHST5801 Humans in a World of Change (formerly IHST8801 Orientation to Integrated Human Studies)
or taken concurrently
- Contact hours
- 6 hrs per week on the online learning modules, readings, forum postings, project and group activities and attendance at regular face-to-face (on-campus) or live online tutorials (distance learning)
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.