Human Society and Its Environment
The future wellbeing of human society and its environment depends upon the quality of people’s interactions with each other and with their cultural, social and physical environments as they strive to meet each other’s needs.
- HSIE enables students to solve problems that are multidisciplinary in nature.
- Students are able to see the connections and interactions between all parts of their social world and environment.
- Students have opportunities to undertake meaningful social inquiry.
- Students develop their self-realisation, develop civic responsibility, fostering human relationships and are provided with opportunities to think critically and creatively.
Senior Courses offered by Human Society and Its Environment
Ancient History
The study of history is an inquiry into past experience that helps make the present more intelligible. A study of the past is invaluable, for to be unaware of history is to be ignorant of those forces that have shaped our social and physical worlds. Through the study of ancient history, students learn both about the interaction of societies and the impact of individuals and groups on ancient events and ways of life.
Business Studies
As a course, Business Studies is distinctive in that it encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of business in contexts which students will encounter throughout their lives. Conceptually, it offers learning from the planning of a small business to the management of operations, marketing, finance and human resources in large businesses. Through the analysis of contemporary business strategies the course also provides rigour and depth and lays an excellent foundation for students either in tertiary study or in future employment.
Economics
Economic decisions have a crucial influence on the quality of life experienced by people throughout the world. The study of economics can help individuals, groups and societies make choices that assist them to improve their quality of life.
Students will benefit from the study of economics if they engage in studies that include business, accounting and finance, media, law, marketing, employment relations, tourism, history, geography or environmental studies.
Geography
Geography is an investigation of the world which provides an accurate description and interpretation of the varied character of the earth and its people. It is a key discipline through which students develop the ability to recognise and understand environmental change and the interactions which take place in our world.
HSC History Extension
The purpose of HSC History Extension is to enable students to build on the outcomes of the Ancient History and Modern History courses in relation to historiography and historical enquiry and communication. The course further develops students’ understanding of how historians work. Rather than simply extending students’ knowledge of a particular period or event in history, the course is aimed at using specific historical investigations to reflect on the nature of history and how and why approaches and interpretations change over time.
Legal Studies
Our society is regulated by a complex set of rules and regulations which both guide and protect individual and community rights. Being well informed about legal issues, including the rights and responsibilities integral to our society, is part of being an active and informed citizen. Students of Legal Studies will develop an understanding of legal concepts and the way the law functions in our society.
Modern History
The study of Modern History has a distinctive role in the school curriculum as it challenges students to consider the great social, technological, economic, political and moral transformations from the late eighteenth century to the present. It requires students to analyse the causes, progress and effects of these transformations and, finally, to make judgements about them. Modern History Stage 6 is especially relevant to the lives of students, as the events and issues that form its content are, in many cases, still current.
Society and Culture
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.