Making Connections: Future-proofing the generalist Bachelor of Arts

2016 OLT National Teaching Fellowship

Keywords: curriculum, innovation, professional learning

Fellowship years: 2016 - 2017 (year due to complete)

Abstract: An innovative economy requires workers who can demonstrate logical thinking and argument, emotional intelligence and capacity to adapt to new ideas - outcomes intrinsic to Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) disciplines. However, HASS disciplines have tended to operate in isolation, competing for status and resources. This status quo makes it difficult to articulate a value proposition for HASS education that speaks to students and employers. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) remains the means by which students engage with HASS, providing a mechanism for bringing HASS disciplines together. The Fellowship proposes a range of activities designed to foster a community of HASS teachers, senior leaders, students and alumni. This community aims to re-imagine the place of HASS disciplines and the BA in the contemporary higher education context. Fellowship activities include a series of state-based colloquia considering program-level student outcomes; a BA conference to share program-level practices and experiences; and the development of generic guiding principles for adopting whole of program approaches.

Fellowship discipline: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Fellowship website: http://HASSFutures.org

Dr Deanne Gannaway

University of Queensland

About

The Australian Learning and Teaching Fellows’ network (ALTF) was established in 2011 with support from the Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching. The network comprises over 100 scholars who are well placed geographically, institutionally and within their discipline communities to promote and sustain effective learning and teaching in Australian higher education, now and into the future.