This course is an important introduction to understanding both the privileges, responsibilities and rights of a local and global  citizen. 

Welcome to the world of Power and Politics: Throughout time, people have always found ways to organize themselves to support each other.  Across the globe, government structures and ideas of leadership have and continue to vary widely, yet patterns exist.  This course introduces you to all types of governments from early concepts of democracy with Ancient Romans, to Indigenous tribal or iwi systems to the present day forms of government.   

• When, how and why did the concept of Civil Rights vs Human Rights begin?  

• What are considered our basic human rights today? 

• Who makes these decisions for independent nations and peoples?  

• Who enforces any challenges to human or civil rights? 

• How can we effect change when it is needed?

• All Humanities courses will develop both English and Social Science skills through expanding vocabulary and learning strategies to make meaning through reading, viewing, writing, and speaking. 

• Students will focus on developing their research skills, reading and writing of non-fiction texts, discussion and presentation skills.

• Identify and explore historical relationships and varied local and global perspectives

• Interpret and make ethical judgements of past historical experiences, decisions and actions

• Learn to actively participate in group and class discussions and write about differing opinions and the attitudes or values behind them. 

• Develop questioning, critical thinking and research skills used in all senior courses.

• Communication

• Citizenship

• Critical Thinking

• Culture

  • Wairuatanga: understanding and respecting different beliefs, spirituality,and customs.

  • Te Tiriti ō Waitangi: upholding its principles and contributing to our bicultural society

• Extend your vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills using a variety of shorter text types.  

• Prepare to sit the NCEA Literacy Corequisite Unit Standards.

Explore key shifts in global movements starting with the early days of struggles for control between monarchs, the Church, and peoples in lands around the world. 

Historical historical contexts and documents to examine may include:

• The Magna Carta of 1215

• The Doctrine of Discovery 

• The Declaration of Independence (NZ)

• Te Tiriti ō Waitangi

• Comparing governments around the world (the “-isms”)

• Evolution of Human Rights vs Civil Rights 

• The UN Declaration of Human Rights 

• Learn how our own Aotearoa/NZ Parliament works and the election process

• Migration - ideas and peoples

This course leads to senior subjects such as English, Social Sciences, Media Studies, Drama, History, Geography, Classical Studies, Psychology, Legal Studies, Business Studies and others.

Ākonga are encouraged to be curious and explore their understanding of identity, the world, belonging, and connection. In doing so, they explore a wide range of perspectives and draw upon different bodies of knowledge. This helps ākonga learn in other contexts and sets them up to be life-long learners.

The knowledge, skills, and values ākonga develop through English and Social Sciences support them to participate in social, cultural, political, and economic life, and prepare them for a variety of possible career pathways beyond school.  

English Career Pathways 

Social Sciences Career Pathways

• 1 B8 exercise book

• 1 document wallet

• Pencil, pen, highlighter, eraser - to stay in class in their document wallet

• Personal headphones 

• Personal Chromebook and charger

At times - other coloured pencils, felts, glue sticks, or scissors may be needed. These can be kept at home until needed.

Texts supplied by the Humanities Faculty.