Number of Units:2
Exclusions: None
Method of Delivery: St Luke’s
External Assessment: 40 marks for a written Personal Interest Project, 60 marks for exam
Contribution to ATAR: Yes
Course Description
Society and Culture focuses on students exploring themselves, their own society/ culture and the society/ culture of others. Through the lens of research, critical thinking and independent thinking, students can explain patterns of behaviour, solve problems, and engage in and actively contribute to all levels of society. The subject draws on topics related to anthropology; communication; cultural and media studies; philosophy; social psychology; and sociology. The study of society and culture effectively prepares students for effective citizenship at local, national, regional and global levels. This course involves a significant level of research that you will conduct in a formal, procedural manner and you would have a keen interest in conducting this research. The HSC course involves a Major Work, the Personal Interest Project, of approximately 4000 words. This is where you will research a topic of your choice to challenge a hypothesis relating to society and culture.
Why study this course
As you move through this course, you will participate in a range of experiences that will develop your social and cultural literacy. This, in turn, will help you develop the ability to empathise with and appreciate the diverse beliefs and values of different communities. You should pick this subject if you are interested in studying human behaviour and want to learn more about the various ways that people are shaped by their society and culture. You should also consider undertaking this course if you want to develop your ability to conduct ethical research and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
Topics
In Preliminary the topics studied are:
The Social and Cultural World (30% of course time)
Personal and Social Identity (40% of course time)
Intercultural Communication (30% of course time)
In HSC, the Core topics are:
Personal Interest Project (30% of course time)
Social and Cultural Continuity and Change (30% of course time)
In HSC the options are:
(TWO to be chosen from the following)
Popular Culture
Belief Systems and Ideologies
Social Inclusion and Exclusion
Social Conformity and Nonconformity
Post School Options
Students studying Society and Culture would find it an advantage in any humanities based course or career. See here for more detail.