Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
1.1 - An understanding of
cultural anthropology as the
comparative study of human
societies.
1.2 - An acquaintance with the
theory and history of
anthropology thought, including
an understanding of the theories
developed both within the
metropole and without.
1.3 - Ability to formulate,
investigate and discuss
anthropologically informed
questions.
1.4 - Competence in using major
theoretical perspectives and
concepts in anthropology.
1.5 - Capacity to provide an
ethnographic description and
analyse it.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
1. Discipline Specific
Knowledge and Skills
An understanding of a
systematic and coherent body of
knowledge and its underlying
principles and concepts.
Have demonstrated knowledge
and understanding in a field of
study that builds upon their
general secondary education,
and is typically at a level that,
whilst supported by advanced
textbooks, includes some aspects
that will be informed by
knowledge of the forefront of
their field of study.
A competence in using major
theoretical perspectives and
concepts in anthropology (QQAUK)
Our graduates will take with
them the intellectual
development, depth and breadth
of knowledge, scholarly
understanding, and specific
subject content in their chosen
fields to make them competent
and confident in their subject or
profession. They will be able to
demonstrate, where relevant,
professional technical
competence and meet
professional standards. They
will be able to articulate the
structure of knowledge of their
discipline, be able to adapt
discipline-specific knowledge to
novel situations, and be able to
contribute from their discipline
to inter-disciplinary solutions to
problems.
A course leading to this
qualification also usually
involves major studies in which
a significant literature is
available.
Course content is taken to a
significant depth and
progressively developed to a
high level which provides a basis
for postgraduate study and
professional careers
Set the problem within a
theoretical tradition such as
materialism, cultural
determinism, structuralism,
feminism, postmodernism.
Relate research to issues of
cultural identity and change,
globalization, culture ecology,
gender, caste, class, ethnicity.
Problems are identified through
reading texts, reviewing articles,
writing synopses, free writing,
developing abstracts, journaling,
observing behaviors, reviewing
books and evaluating other
research (Oregon).
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
2.1 - An ability to recognise,
assess and make use of different
theoretical approaches within
the discipline, and an awareness
of links to cognate bodies of
theory, such as sociology,
philosophy, history, linguistic
and feminist theory
2.2 - A realisation that
knowledge is contested, and that
anthropology by its nature is
dynamic, constantly generating
new priorities and theories
2.3 - The ability to read and
interpret texts (print, oral, film,
multimedia) within their
historical, social and theoretical
contexts;
2.4 - Recognition of the politics
of language, indirect forms of
communication, forms of power,
theoretical statements and
claims of authority, and an
ability to analyse them
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
2 Critical Analytical and
Integrative Thinking
The ability to undertake
research, analyse information
and apply knowledge and
techniques learnt within an
academic or professional context
We want our graduates to be
capable of reasoning,
questioning and analysing, and
to integrate and synthesise
learning and knowledge from a
range of sources and
environments; to be able to
critique constraints,
assumptions and limitations; to
be able to think independently
and systemically in relation to
scholarly activity, in the
workplace, and in the world. We
want them to have a level of
scientific and information
technology literacy.
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
The ability to formulate,
investigate and discuss
anthropologically informed
questions (QQA-UK)
The capacity to provide an
ethnographic description and
analyse it (QQA –UK)
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
3 Problem Solving and
Research Capability
3.1- An appreciation of the
importance of participant
observation and other
qualitative methods as the basis
of empirical fieldwork, the
primary method of gathering
data, and the basis for the
generation of anthropological
theory.
3.2 - Familiarity with a range of
methods of representing data
which might include primary
and secondary texts, film and
other visual media, oral sources,
statistical data and multimedia.
Our graduates should be capable
of researching; of analysing, and
interpreting and assessing data
and information in various
forms; of drawing connections
across fields of knowledge; and
they should be able to relate
their knowledge to complex
situations at work or in the
world, in order to diagnose and
solve problems. We want them
to have the confidence to take
the initiative in doing so, within
an awareness of their own
limitations.
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
Can apply their knowledge and
understanding in a manner that
indicates a professional
approach to their work or
vocation, and have competences
typically demonstrated
through devising and sustaining
arguments and solving problems
within their field of
study.
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Apply qualitative and
quantitative methods to a
problem, use ethnographic,
oral tradition, linguistic,
archaeological, human biology
methods (Oregon).
Apply research findings and
analysis to real problems
through collaboration with
clients, teamwork, internships,
projects, advocacy (Oregon).
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
4.1-Awareness of the ways in
which anthropological
knowledge can be applied (and
misapplied) in a range of
practical situations.
4.2 - The ability to apply
anthropological knowledge to a
variety of practical situations,
personal and professional.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
4 Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be
capable of creative thinking and
of creating knowledge. They will
be imaginative and open to
experience and capable of
innovation at work and in the
community. We want them to be
engaged in applying their
critical, creative thinking.
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Communication and problem
solving skills
Can communicate information,
ideas, problems and solutions to
both specialist and nonspecialist audiences;
Communication and
presentation skills (using oral
and written materials and
information technology (IT))
QQA-UK)
5 Effective Communication
5.1 - The ability to plan,
undertake and present scholarly
work that demonstrates an
understanding of
anthropological aims, methods
and theoretical considerations.
We want to develop in our
students the ability to
communicate and convey their
views in forms effective with
different audiences. We want
our graduates to take with them
the capability to read, listen,
question, gather and evaluate
information resources in a
variety of formats, assess, write
clearly, speak effectively, and to
use visual and communication
technologies as appropriate.
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
6.1 - Informed awareness of and
sensitivity to human diversity,
an appreciation for its scope and
complexity, and recognition of
the richness of experience and
potential that it provides.
6.2 - An awareness of social and
historical change, and
knowledge of some paradigms
and modes (including
indigenous ones) for explaining
it.
6.3 - Ability to recognise and
analyse contexts in which
relations of power, gender,
ethnicity, racism and exclusion
affect the forms taken by human
communities.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
6 Engaged Ethical Local and
Global Citizens
As local citizens our graduates
will be aware of indigenous
perspectives and of the nation’s
historical context. They will be
engaged with the challenges of
contemporary society and with
knowledge and ideas. We want
our graduates to have respect
for diversity, to be open-minded,
sensitive to others and inclusive,
and to be open to other cultures
and perspectives: they should
have a level of cultural literacy.
Our graduates should be aware
of disadvantage and social
justice, and be willing to
participate to help create a wiser
and better society.
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Cultural Diversity: Students
participating in anthropology
courses will gain an awareness
and appreciation of cultural
diversity enhanced by a holistic
perspective on culture as
integrated, dynamic, and
embedded in broader processes
of intercultural connection and
globalisation (Kansas State)
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
7.1 - An ability to understand
how human beings are shaped
by and interact with their social,
cultural and physical
environments, and an
appreciation of their social,
cultural and biological diversity.
7.2 - An appreciation of the
interconnections between
various aspects of social and
cultural life, belief systems,
global forces, individual
behaviour and the physical
environment.
7.3 - Awareness of different
interpretations of sickness,
health, disease and curing in
different cultures and of the
complex interrelationship
between social, biological and
environmental influences in the
health of human communities.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
7 Socially and
Environmentally Active and
Responsible
Interpersonal and teamwork
skills appropriate to
employment and/or further
study
We want our graduates to
beaware of and have respect for
self and others; to be able to
work with others as a leader and
a team player; to have a sense of
connectedness with others and
country; and to have a sense of
mutual obligation. Our graduates
should be informed and active
participants in moving society
towards sustainability.
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Apply research findings and
analysis to real problems
through collaboration with
clients, teamwork, internships,
projects, advocacy (Oregon).
An ability to understand how
human beings are shaped by,
and interact with their social,
cultural and physical
environments, and an
appreciation of their social,
cultural and biological diversity
(QQA(UK))
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
8.1 - Awareness of ethical issues
concerned with the study of
social worlds and representation
of others, and self-reflection
regarding both the nature of our
knowledge of the social, and of
the role of the anthropologist or
ethnographer in the collection
and presentation of data.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
8 Capable of Professional and
Personal Judgement and
Initiative
We want our graduates to have
emotional intelligence and
sound interpersonal skills and to
demonstrate discernment and
common sense in their
professional and personal
judgement. They will exercise
initiative as needed. They will be
capable of risk assessment, and
be able to handle ambiguity and
complexity, enabling them to be
adaptable in diverse and
changing environments.
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
The importance of ethics in
anthropology. Specifically,
students should be able to
discuss the fundamental
obligation of anthropologists to
members of the societies they
study, as well as to their
research sponsors and the
profession (Kansas State)
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Macquarie University
Anthropology Graduate
Capabilities
9.1 - The ability to engage with
cultures, populations and groups
different from one’s own, and
gain insight into their meaning
systems without foregoing a
sense of personal judgement. An
awareness of cultural
assumptions, including one’s
own, and the ways in which
these impact on an
interpretation of others.
Macquarie University General
Graduate Capabilities
9 Commitment to Continuous
Learning
We want our graduates to have
emotional intelligence and
sound interpersonal skills and to
demonstrate discernment and
common sense in their
professional and personal
judgement. They will exercise
initiative as needed. They will be
capable of risk assessment, and
be able to handle ambiguity and
complexity, enabling them to be
adaptable in diverse and
changing environments.
AQF (national) Graduate
Capabilities
Cycle 1 Dublin Descriptors
International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Skills for self-directed and
lifelong learning.
Have developed those learning
skills that are necessary for them
to continue to undertake
further study with a high degree
of autonomy.
An ability to understand their
strengths and weaknesses in
learning and study skills and to
take action to improve their
capacity to learn (QAA-UK).
References for international sources
AFQ (National) Learning Outcomes
http://www.aqf.edu.au/bachelor.htm
 An understanding of a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and its underlying principles and concepts;

Communication and problem solving skills;

The ability to undertake research, analyse information and apply knowledge and techniques learnt within an academic or
professional context;

Skills for self-directed and lifelong learning; and

Interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate to employment and/or further study.
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Dublin Descriptors
First Cycle http://www.jointquality.nl/
Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds upon and their general secondary education, and is
typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the
forefront of their field of study;
Can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and
have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of
study;
Have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) to inform judgements that include
reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues;
Can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non- specialist audiences;
Have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study with a high degree of
autonomy.
International Anthropology Graduate Capabilities
From Oregon State University http://oregonstate.edu/cla/anthropology/programs/learning-outcomes
 Problem - problems are identified through reading texts, reviewing articles, writing synopses, freewriting, developing
abstracts, journaling, observing behaviors, reviewing books and evaluating other research,

Approach - apply qualitative and quantitative methods to a problem, use ethnographic, oral tradition, linguistic,
archaeological, human biology methods. The ethical issues associated with gathering data about humans and their social
systems will be covered in classes and all students should review the ethical standards of the American Anthropological
Association, Society for American Archaeology, American Association of Physical Anthropologists, and the Society for Applied
Anthropology.
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities

Theory - set the problem within a theoretical tradition such as materialism, cultural determinism, structuralism, feminism,
postmodernism, processual archaeology, post-processualism. Relate research to issues of cultural identity and change,
globalization, culture ecology, gender, caste, class, ethnicity

Analysis - be familiar with qualitative, statistical, systems, linguistic, human biology, archaeological, historical, cross-cultural
analytical approaches

Application - apply research findings and analysis to real problems through collaboration with clients, teamwork, internships,
projects, advocacy
Kansas State University: http://www.k-state.edu/sasw/anlearning.html
Two SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes) and their major components are described below:
1. Anthropological Approach: Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of the holistic four-field nature of anthropology and the concepts and
integration of culture and biology as used by contemporary anthropologists. This specifically includes:
The development of anthropology as a distinct field of inquiry and the relationship between anthropology and other academic disciplines.
Specifically, students should be able to describe the development of anthropology as a profession in the nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries, explain why anthropology can be considered both a science and a humanity, and describe its relationship to other fields.
The four-field nature of anthropology and the relation of its subdisciplines to one another.
Specifically, students should be able to describe the historic and contemporary relationship of the four fields to each other and identify the
common features of humans as biological beings and race as a biological and social construction.
The importance of ethics in anthropology. Specifically, students should be able to discuss the fundamental obligation of anthropologists to
members of the societies they study, as well as to their research sponsors and the profession.
2. Cultural Diversity: Students participating in anthropology courses will gain an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity enhanced by a
holistic perspective on culture as integrated, dynamic, and embedded in broader processes of intercultural connection and globalization. This
measure is particularly important in addressing part one of our mission statement in which we state our commitment to raising awareness of
cultural diversity among students of all majors in the University.
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
Specifically, students should be able to identify ways in which different aspects of culture - economic, social, political, and religious practices and
institutions - relate to one another in a cultural system (holism), draw comparisons between different cultures, past and present, recognizing
that such comparisons require a holistic understanding of each of the cultures involved in the comparison, and describe the processes of
globalization and the ways they shape and are shaped by different aspects of culture in human communities throughout the world.
In accomplishing the above, students should be able to identify their own cultural biases as well as those of others, and be able to explain why
these biases exist, set aside these biases in their own cultural analyses, and evaluate the cultural analyses of others (in ethnographies, films,
news media reports, etc.) by recognizing what cultural biases are expressed.
From QAA: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/anthropology07.pdf
Subject-specific skills
Social anthropology
5.2 Depending upon the proportion of social anthropology within their degree programme, students will be able to demonstrate
some or all of the following:
 an ability to understand how human beings are shaped by, and interact with, their social, cultural and physical environments,
and an appreciation of their social, cultural and biological diversity
 the ability to formulate, investigate and discuss anthropologically informed questions
 a competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in anthropology
 the capacity to provide an ethnographic description and analyse it
 the ability to engage with cultures, populations and groups different from their own, without forgoing a sense of personal
judgement. An awareness of cultural assumptions, including their own, and the ways in which these impact on an
interpretation of others
 the ability to read and interpret texts (print, oral, film, multimedia) within their historical, social and theoretical contexts
 a recognition of the politics of language, indirect forms of communication, forms of power, theoretical statements and claims
of authority, and an ability to analyse them
 the ability to apply anthropological knowledge to a variety of practical situations, personal and professional
 the ability to plan, undertake and present scholarly work that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological aims,
methods and theoretical considerations.
Generic skills, abilities and qualities of mind
5.4 Depending upon the nature and focus of their degree programme, student attainment will include some or all of the following:
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities
 An ability to understand their strengths and weaknesses in learning and study skills and to take action to improve their
capacity to learn
 The capacity to express their own ideas in writing, to summarise the arguments of others, and to distinguish between the two
 Independence of thought and analytical, critical and synoptic skills
 Information retrieval skills in relation to primary and secondary sources of information
 Communication and presentation skills (using oral and written materials and information technology (IT))
 Scholarly skills, such as the ability to make a structured argument, reference the works of others, and assess historical
evidence
 Time planning and management skills
 The ability to engage, where appropriate, in constructive discussion in group situations and group-work skills
 Statistical and computing techniques.
Subject knowledge and understanding: cultural anthropology
Depending upon their programme, students may be expected to have a knowledge of some or all of:








an understanding of cultural anthropology as the comparative study of human societies;
an appreciation of the importance of participant observation and other qualitative methods as the basis of empirical
fieldwork, the primary method of gathering data, and the basis for the generation of anthropological theory.
a detailed knowledge of specific themes in cultural anthropology and the intellectual debates concerning them, such as
gender, religion, kinship, nationalism, exchange, material culture,
a realisation that knowledge is contested, and that anthropology by its nature is dynamic, constantly generating new
priorities and theories;
informed awareness of and sensitivity to human diversity, an appreciation of its scope and complexity, and recognition of the
richness of experience and potential that it provides.
an acquaintance with the theory and history of anthropology thought, including an understanding of the theories developed
both within the metropole and without;
an ability to recognise, assess and make use of different theoretical approaches within the discipline, and an awareness of
links to cognate bodies of theory, such as sociology, philosophy, history, linguistic and feminist theory
knowledge of the values, ethics and traditions of different cultures, including a detailed knowledge of particular areas of the
world presented as regional courses (such as the anthropology of Asia, South Asian, and/or the Islamic world). Students are
not expected to have comprehensive knowledge of the anthropology of all regions of the world;
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities







familiarity with a range of methods of representing data which might include primary and secondary texts, film and other
visual media, oral sources, statistical data and multimedia;
awareness of ethical issues concerned with the study of social worlds and representation of others, and self-reflection
regarding both the nature of our knowledge of the social, and of the role of the anthropologist or ethnographer in the
collection and presentation of data;
awareness of different interpretations of sickness, health, disease and curing in different cultures and of the complex
interrelationship between social, biological and environmental influences in the health of human communities;
awareness of the ways in which anthropological knowledge can be applied (and misapplied) in a range of practical situations;
an awareness of social and historical change, and knowledge of some paradigms and modes (including indigenous ones) for
explaining it;
ability to recognise and analyse contexts in which relations of power, gender, ethnicity, racism and exclusion affect the forms
taken by human communities;
an appreciation of the interconnections between various aspects of social and cultural life, belief systems, global forces,
individual behaviour and the physical environment.
Subject-specific skills: cultural anthropology
The abilities and qualities of mind that a student studying anthropology is expected to acquire incorporate both subject-specific and general
skills, including some or all of the following:








an ability to understand how human beings are shaped by and interact with their social, cultural and physical environments,
and an appreciation of their social, cultural and biological diversity;
ability to formulate, investigate and discuss anthropologically informed questions;
competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in anthropology;
capacity to provide an ethnographic description and analyse it;
the ability to engage with cultures, populations and groups different from one’s own, without foregoing a sense of personal
judgement. An awareness of cultural assumptions, including one’s own, and the ways in which these impact on an
interpretation of others;
the ability to read and interpret texts (print, oral, film, multimedia) within their historical, social and theoretical contexts;
recognition of the politics of language, indirect forms of communication, forms of power, theoretical statements and claims of
authority, and an ability to analyse them;
the ability to apply anthropological knowledge to a variety of practical situations, personal and professional;
Comparison: Macquarie University Anthropology Graduate Capabilities with: General Macquarie, National and International Anthropology
Graduate Capabilities

the ability to plan, undertake and present scholarly work that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological aims,
methods and theoretical considerations.