Community & Family Studies

COMMUNITY AND FAMILY STUDIES (BDC)

PRELIMINARY THEN HSC 2 UNIT CATEGORY A HSC AND ATAR

Prerequisite None

Course Description

The central aim of Community and Family Studies to develop in each student an ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities in Australian society.

Our society today is characterised by rapid social and technological change, cultural diversity, conflicting values and competitive pressures. Developing understanding about society and living in society requires a comprehensive knowledge of its complex nature. Consequently, Community and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary course drawing upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology and students’ general life experiences. This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities.

For whom is this subject intended

This course is especially suited to students who have an interest in current issues that are influential in Australian Society (e.g. work, families and communities), and is relevant to careers in Education, Nursing, Early Childhood Studies, Sociology and Management.

Main Topics Covered

Year 11 course

• Resource Management Basic concepts of resource management

• Individuals and Groups The individual’s roles, relationships and task within and between groups

• Families and Communities Family structures and functions, and the interaction between family and community

HSC Course

• Research Methodology Research methodology and skills culminating in the production of an Independent Research Project

• Groups in Context The characteristics and needs of specific community groups

• Parenting and Caring Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of parenting and caring contemporary society

• Option Module ONE of the following: Family and Societal Interactions, Social Impact of Technology, Individuals and Work.

Particular Course Requirements

As part of the HSC, students are required to complete an Independent Research Project. The focus of the Independent Research Project should be related to the course content of one or more of the following areas: individuals, groups, families, communities, resource management.