Society and Culture

2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC Board Developed Course

Course Description:

The Preliminary course is designed to provide students with the skills needed to study human behaviour and development and the interactions between people from different cultural and social backgrounds. To do this, students will learn about other cultures and how they have changed over time.

Students are able to learn more about themselves as they examine the topics of adolescence, coming of age and personal identity in a variety of cultures and periods of time. Cross cultural comparison is a main focus of study in Society and Culture.

The HSC Course

  • The Core: Social and Cultural Continuity and Change.

This topic aims to examine the culture and experiences of a selected country while developing understanding of the fundamental course concepts of society, culture, persons, environment and time. The continuity and change of the selected country is a major focus.

  • Personal Interest Project:

A research-based task worth 40% of the external assessment, which allows a student to develop the skills of social research while learning more about themselves and others. The basis of the research is any topic of specific interest to the student that can be related to the course concepts.

  • Depth Studies:

Two depth studies will be chosen which will allow students to develop a deeper understanding of selected course concepts. Each depth study uses a case study approach to provide examples to support research.

Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course

  • The Social and Cultural World - 20%

  • Personal and Social Identity – 40%

  • Intercultural Communication – 40%

HSC Course

  • Social and Cultural Continuity and Change – 30%

  • The Personal Interest Project – 30%

  • Depth Studies – 40%

Two to be chosen from:

    1. Popular Culture

    2. Belief Systems and ideologies

    3. Social Inclusion and Exclusion

    4. Social Conformity and Nonconformity

Major Project

In Year 12 Society and Culture, students complete a major research project called the Personal Interest Project (PIP). The PIP is an opportunity for students to investigate any topic of their own choice which has relevance to human behaviour. In this project, the students focus on first-hand, primary research to explore their ideas and back this up with secondary research. The PIP gives the students 40% of their HSC mark, the other %60 coming from a two-hour exam. They will have three terms to complete the 4,000 to 5,500 word task. It is marked externally by NESA representatives.

School Fees: Nil