COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts at James Cook University (JCU) offers students a broad, interdisciplinary education that fosters critical thinking, communication, and research skills, while providing deep insights into human behaviour, society, and culture. The program encourages exploration across multiple fields, allowing students to study people, places, politics, and cultural perspectives, and to develop the ability to analyse social issues and advocate for meaningful change. In addition, students must meet the program’s inherent requirements, which are the abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours necessary to successfully complete the course, preserve academic integrity, and, where relevant, meet professional standards.Students can choose from a wide range of majors, each offering specialised knowledge and practical skills. Anthropology explores cultural and ethnic diversity, equipping students with research, observation, and interview techniques to work across governments, corporations, and non-profit organisations. Archaeology focuses on site recording, conservation, and heritage investigations, with opportunities for fieldwork in Australia and Southeast Asia. Criminology examines the motivations behind crime and strategies for prevention and rehabilitation, combining insights from sociology, psychology, social work, and law. English majors develop critical communication and reasoning skills while studying literature, cinema, and historical texts. History provides an understanding of past societies and global events, enhancing research and analytical capabilities.Human Geography addresses the relationships between people and their environments, including urban planning and sustainability, while Human Services develops skills to work with marginalised and vulnerable populations through fieldwork and community projects. Indigenous Studies explores the interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge, with optional local and international field experiences. Politics and International Relations examines political processes, policy, diplomacy, and globalisation, and Psychology Studies investigates the biological, social, and cultural determinants of human behaviour. Sociology provides analytical tools to study social trends, institutions, and societal issues, particularly in the Tropics.Overall, JCU’s Bachelor of Arts integrates theoretical knowledge, cultural understanding, and practical skills to prepare graduates for careers in government, research, community services, advocacy, policy, and education, offering versatility and a strong foundation for professional and personal development.