Year 10 Humanities

Myths and Legends (Single Semester)

This course aims to explore the spectacular myths that underpin the foundations of ancient civilisations. Students will examine the power of myths, which unlock the secrets of tradition, beliefs, and culture. They will analyse traditional historical legends and evaluate the urban adaptations and how they have influenced modern literature and culture. This course gives students the opportunity to investigate the internal conflicts of great warriors such as Achilles and King Arthur of Camelot, whilst also studying the setting in which their external conflicts take place. This unit focuses on research, discussion and primary/secondary source material and will provide a sound preparation for VCE History units. On completion of this unit, students will be able to comprehend and analyse a range of historical material, have an understanding of change and continuity over time, and construct, substantiate and evaluate theories.

Note: There is a fee associated with this unit of $10.00 per semester.**

Economics (Single Semester)

Economics is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. As a social science, Economics is interested in the way humans behave and the decisions made to meet the needs and wants of society. In this elective, students explore their role in the economy, how they interact with businesses and the way economic models and theories have been developed to explain the causes and effects of human action. Economics develops students' knowledge and understanding of the operation of the global and Australian economy. It develops the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills of students. There is a strong emphasis on the problems and issues in a contemporary Australian economic context within the course.

Note: There is a fee associated with this unit of $20.00 per semester.**

Refugees, Rights & Radical Regimes (Single Semester)

What are human rights? How are regimes like North Korea and Syria infringing on human rights? Where are refugees coming from? How is Australia dealing with the current refugee crises? This course gives students the opportunity to engage in the exploration of current global conflicts and disasters, and examine the effectiveness of the responses to the refugee crises by global actors. From primary and secondary sources, students look at historical conflicts that have led to refugee populations, radical regimes that cause their population to either fight or take flight, and Australia’s 20th and 21st century refugee and migration policies.    

Explosive Decades (Single Semester)

This unit provides students with an insight into the turbulent and exciting decades of Australia and the world from the 1950s to 1980s. The study will focus on The Cold War period and the Indigenous Civil Rights Movement (in the US and Australia), through research, discussion and use of primary sources. This will enable students to understand the post-war period, the social and political world of the time, how it has changed and how it might change in the future, providing a sound preparation for VCE Units.

International Studies (Single Semester)

This unit assists students to develop an overview of current international issues and disputes, and to understand the underlying factors that have contributed to their development. They investigate how international disputes can be resolved, with a focus on the role of the United Nations and other international bodies. Students develop skills in identifying and discussing key global issues, countries, and global leaders, and consider the impact of historic events, political structures, social policies and economic decisions on the relative performance of nations. Employing data and self-developed criteria, students assess a variety of nations in order to determine which nation would be the ‘best’ to live in. Students will have the opportunity to participation in a Model UN simulation.

Misdemeanours & Retributions (Single Semester)

What is a misdemeanour? What is retribution? Do they mean the same thing to everyone all the time? This unit takes a practical approach to exploring the way in which societies deal with the rehabilitation of both criminals and victims. Students will consider the questions above as they examine cases of historical and social significance. Each student selects an aspect of misdemeanours and retribution that interests them and completes an in-depth investigation. This will include conducting opinion surveys and gathering sources of data for analysis. Students will present their findings on this form of justice at a parliamentary style Law Reform inquiry.

Philosophy: The Meaning of Life (Single Semester)

This unit introduces students to philosophical thinking through literature, film and art. Students will study a range of texts or cultural representations in order to explore the fundamental questions about the nature of reality and the purpose of existence. A central aim of this unit is to develop in students a capacity for higher order thinking and an interest in ideas. It will also provide students with a foundation for entry into VCE Philosophy.