Humanities

Geography - 1GHY & 2GHY

Students develop an understanding of the spatial interrelationships between people, places, and environments. They appreciate the complexity of our world, the diversity of its environments, and the challenges and associated opportunities facing Australia and the world. Geography develops an appreciation of the importance of place in explanations of economic, social, and environmental phenomena and processes. Fieldwork and spatial technologies are central to the study of Geography, as it enables students to develop their understanding of the world through direct experience.

Stage 2 Assessment (Stage 1 assessment mirrors Stage 2 requirements)

Modern History - 1MOD & 2MOD

Students explore relationships among nations and groups, examine some significant and distinctive features of the world since 1945, and consider their impact on the contemporary world. They investigate the political and economic interactions of nations and the impact of these interactions on national, regional, and/or international development. They consider how some nations, including some emerging nations, have sought to impose their influence and power, and how others have sought to forge their own destiny. Through their studies, students build their skills in historical method through inquiry, by examining and evaluating the nature of sources. This includes who wrote or recorded them, whose history they tell, whose stories are not included and why, and how technology is creating new ways in which histories can be conveyed. Students explore different interpretations, draw conclusions, and develop reasoned historical arguments.

Content
Students study one topic from ‘Modern Nations’ and one topic from ‘The World since 1945’, selected from the following list of topics:

Legal Studies - 1LEG & 2LEG

Students explore Australia's legal heritage and the dynamic nature of the Australian legal system within a global context. They learn about the structures of the Australian legal system and how it responds and contributes to social change while acknowledging tradition. Students gain insight into law-making, the processes of dispute resolution, and the administration of justice. They investigate legal perspectives on contemporary issues in society, and reflect on, and make informed judgments about, the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian legal system.

Stage 2 Legal Studies is a 20-credit subject.

Students explore the Australian legal system from the local level to its global connections. They examine the key concepts of parliamentary democracy, constitutional government, and participation.

Content
At Stage 2 students study the following four topics:

• Topic 1: The Australian Legal System
• Topic 2: Constitutional Government
• Topic 3: Law-making
• Topic 4: Justice Systems

Media Studies - 1MES & 2MES

Students develop media literacy and production skills. They research, discuss and analyse media issues, and interact with and create media products. Students explore the role of media in Australian and global contexts and how media can exert a significant influence on the way people receive and interpret information about the world, explore their own and other cultures, make economic choices, develop political ideas and spend their leisure time.

Content
In negotiation with their teacher, students choose three of the following topics for study:

• Photojournalism
• Documentaries
• Cult Television / Film
• Music and Media
• The Internet
• Television Genres
• Community Media
• Short Films
• Advertising and Audiences
• Globalisation and Media
• Children and Media
• Media Ethics and Regulation
• Cultural Diversity in Media