Humanities

Description

Semester 1

Semester 1 Humanities explores how environments, resources and global connections shape people’s lives. Students investigate biomes, food production and food security, including the environmental, economic and social factors that affect access to food. They also examine globalisation, trade, tourism, consumerism and transnational corporations. Later in the semester, students study key Economics and Business concepts, including banks, investments, personal finance, debt, savings, entrepreneurship and the changing Australian workforce.

 

Semester 2

Semester 2 Humanities explores the making of modern Australia and the impact of World War I. Students investigate colonisation, migration, democracy, nationalism, imperialism and the experiences of different groups in Australia from 1750 to 1918. They also examine the causes, experiences and consequences of World War I. A smaller Civics focus develops students’ understanding of Australian government, elections, courts, law, citizenship and national identity.

Unit Topics

Semester 1

• Geographical Skills & Concepts
• Biomes, Food Production and Food Security
• Globalisation, Trade and Interconnections
• Personal Finance, Enterprise and Work

Semester 2

• Historical Skills & Concepts
• Making the Australian Nation (1750–1914)
• World War I (1914–1918)
• Government, Courts and Citizenship

Skill Development

Semester 1

Students develop skills in interpreting maps, graphs, data, images and case studies. They identify patterns, explain interconnections between places, and evaluate the impacts of environmental, economic and social change. Students also build practical economic understanding by examining financial decisions, risk, entrepreneurship, work and changes in the Australian workforce.

Semester 2

Students develop skills in creating and interpreting timelines, explaining cause and effect, analysing sources and identifying continuity and change. They evaluate the historical significance of people, events and ideas, while also developing Civics skills such as explaining democratic processes, comparing legal principles, considering different perspectives and constructing evidence-based arguments.

Possible Assessment Tasks

Semester 1

• Source Analysis
• Research Report
• Annotated Visual Display
• Photo Essay
• Geographical Inquiry
• Oral Presentation
• Written Test
• In-class Debate

Semester 2

• Source Primary & Secondary Source Analysis
• Research Report
• Annotated Visual Display
• Photo Essay
• Historical Inquiry
• Oral Presentation
• Written Test
• In-class Debate

Career Options

Semester 1

Environmental Scientist, Conservation Officer, Wildlife Manager, Nature Tourism Operator, Urban Planner, Climate Scientist, GIS Analyst, Sustainability Officer, Agricultural Scientist, Food Security Analyst, Supply Chain Manager, Import/Export Manager, Tourism Manager, Banker, Financial Adviser, Accountant, Economist, Data Analyst, Entrepreneur/Business Owner, Human Resources Manager.

Semester 2

Teacher, Historian, Museum Curator, Archaeologist, Archivist, Librarian, Journalist, Writer, Editor, Research Assistant, Lawyer, Barrister, Solicitor, Legal Clerk, Police Officer, Youth Worker, Politician, Policy Adviser, Public Servant, Human Rights Advocate.