In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).
A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:
- research, gather and analyse information
- question and make judgements
- write for a variety of purposes.
In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Ancient History
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- History Extension
- Legal Studies
- Modern History
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion.
The central concern of Society is the interaction of persons, societies, cultures, environments and time.
Society and Culture draws on cross-disciplinary concepts and social research methodologies from anthropology, communication, cultural studies, media studies, philosophy, psychology, social ecology and sociology.
Society and Culture has direct relevance to the immediate needs of students and to their future lives by enabling students to develop understanding of:
• themselves
• their own society and culture
• the societies and cultures of others.
Students are provided with the necessary concepts, skills, competencies and knowledge to encourage a process of independent thinking that may be used to explain patterns of behaviour, solve problems and actively contribute to local, national and global levels of society.
Society and Culture is a conceptually based course that promotes students’ awareness of the cultural continuities and changes within societies and cultures. It provides them with
skills to critically analyse complementary and contrasting viewpoints about people, societies, cultures and environments, and their interactions across time. Society and
Culture promotes an awareness of the nature of power and authority, gender, technology and facilitates intercultural understanding.
The emphasis on individual study and group work within Society and Culture encourages students to manage their own learning, as well as providing experience of working within
teams. In allowing students to work in areas of direct relevance to their lives, Society and Culture contributes greatly to the ethos of lifelong learning, while providing opportunities to acquire a range of skills to support such learning.
The study of Society and Culture prepares students for adult life by developing qualities associated with effective citizenship. In so doing, it forms a basis for moving towards a
more just society through positive participation in community life and, social and cultural literacy.