NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR 

Our first seminar on music was a wonderful example of the breadth of knowledge and interest that speakers can impart. The topic of music was one that probably everyone in the audience could personally relate to, and our speakers gave us new insights into its evolutionary history and relevance to human wellbeing.  The Centre has been very busy while students had their mid-year break.  We have created a Certificate course that comprises the first four units of the existing Graduate Diploma in Integrated Human Studies.  The certificate is a good option for those who want a part-time one-year course to give global context and future focused skills and knowledge after their undergraduate degree, but who don’t necessarily wish to go on to do a major research project. We are also still working towards getting our first year units ready, and as we delve around in the vast array of online resources, we are heartened by the number of groups with a similar ethos and aims.  Many of the groups identify education as a major tool to achieve sustainability and human wellbeing, and target primary and secondary schools. See, for example, Oxfam’s information about Global Citizenship:   http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/gc/  “Global citizenship” is a catchall term to describe the hoped-for outcomes of many programs. Our Integrated Human Studies courses are purpose-designed for tertiary students.  We aim not to capture or harness their intelligence and idealism, but to enable them to take flight in active global citizenship.  Tertiary students are educating themselves to take their parts as adults in our society, and go on to become leaders in industry, commerce, education, law, medicine and government.  A solid foundation of interdisciplinary skills and understandings will inform their influence and actions for the rest of their lives.

Professor Neville Bruce
Director, Centre for Integrated Human Studies 

HIAM HEALTH CASE STUDY – TALK ON AUGUST 3

HIAM-Health is a small non-government organisation, situated in the grounds of Dili Hospital, that works holistically to prevent malnutrition in East Timor. HIAM stands for Hamutuk ita ajuda malu: “together we help each other”. Staffed by East Timorese nationals and supported by AusAid volunteers, its mission is to empower East Timorese people to work together to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates and improve health and social conditions.

On Monday August 3, local supporter Robyn Pickrell will give a presentation on the activities of HIAM-Health, including the background to its foundation, and future prospects. The Perth group Friends of HIAM-Health  endeavours through volunteer work and fundraising to support its Malnutrition Rehabilitation and Education Centre. Robyn seeks collaboration with researchers and students wishing to investigate opportunities to work in the third sector. Everyone is welcome to attend this talk, which is free. 

It will be held in Seminar room 1.81 in the School of Anatomy and Human Biology, at UWA, and begins at 12pm. 

NEXT SEMINAR: MATESHIP – ICONIC OR IRONIC? AUGUST 12

“We value excellence as well as fairness, independence as dearly as mateship”Draft Constitutional Preamble, John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, 1999

G’day mate: it’s the iconic Aussie greeting, and mateship is the iconic cultural attribute of Australian men. But is it or was it ever representative of an egalitarian, inclusive, loyal ideal?  Does it survive today in clubs and bars? Does mateship have a dark side? Dr Debra Judge looks at primate behaviour to shed light on the evolutionary origins of mateship; Nathan Jarvis, author of "Origin of the Speccies" (no, that's not a typo – it's a book about footy!), considers mateship in sport and clubs; and Dr Mark Edwards speaks about mateship and business ethics. The seminar is in Seminar room 1.81 at the School of Anatomy and Human Biology, UWA, at the usual time of 530 – 7 pm.  Bring a friend! 

NOTES FROM THE LAST SEMINAR, MUSIC

Neville introduced the series by reminding the audience that Integrated Human Studies is all about understanding what it means to be human, and how to promote human wellbeing in a sustainable environment.  The 21st century presents unique challenges, and a broad-based understanding of human behaviour underpinning an interdisciplinary approach will be necessary to grasp complex issues and propose solutions.