VCE Humanities
Australian and Global Politics
In the twenty-first century, decisions and actions by governments, groups and individuals are increasingly global in their impact. International politics will enable students to understand and reflect on contemporary national and international political issues, problems and events and the forces that shape them.
AP1: IDEAS, ACTORS AND POWER
In this unit students are introduced to the key ideas relating to the exercise of political power. They explore how these ideas shape political systems and in particular the characteristics of liberalism. They consider the nature of power in Australian democracy and in a non-democratic political system. They also explore the nature and influence of key political actors in Australia: political parties, interest groups and the media. All these forms of participation in Australian democracy influence the political agenda. This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years.
AP2: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
This unit introduces students to the global community and the global actors that are part of this community. In Area of Study 1 students explore the myriad ways lives have been affected by the increased interconnectedness – the global links – of the world through the process of globalisation. In Area of Study 2, students consider the extent to which global actors cooperate and share visions and goals as part of the global community. They investigate the ability of the global community to manage areas of global cooperation and to respond to issues of global conflict and instability.
Note: There is a fee associated with AP1/2 of $20.00 per year.**
GP3: GLOBAL ACTORS
In this unit students investigate the key global actors of contemporary global politics. They use evidence to analyse the key global actors and their aims, roles and power. They develop an understanding of the key actors through an in-depth examination of the concepts of national interests and power as they relate to the state, and the way in which one Asia-Pacific state uses power to achieve its objectives. VCE Global Politics is a contemporary study and focus must be on examples and case studies from within the last 10 years. However, contemporary issues and events may need to be contextualised for students and this may require some investigation prior to this timeframe.
GP4: GLOBAL CHALLENGES
In this unit students investigate key global challenges facing the international community in the 21st century. They examine and analyse the debates surrounding two ethical issues that are underpinned by international law. They then evaluate the effectiveness of responses to these issues. Students also explore the context and causes of global crises and consider the varying effectiveness of responses and challenges to resolving them.
Twentieth Century History and History Revolutions
History involves inquiry into human action in the past, to make meaning of the past using primary sources as evidence. As students formulate questions, revise interpretations and discover new sources, fresh understandings come to light. VCE History reflects this range of inquiry by enabling students to engage with a range of times, people, places and ideas. Twentieth century History examines the aftermath of the Great War as well as the causes and consequences of World War Two, while History Revolutions explores the causes and consequences of revolutions in China and Russia.
HI1: TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY (1900-1945)
The first half of the twentieth century was a period of significant change. Old certainties were replaced by new uncertainties. Societies and individuals were in a state of flux and all that seemed guaranteed was increased change. Throughout this period new forms of economic and political organisation and cultural expression reflecting different responses to these changes emerged. This unit considers the way in which Western societies responded to these changes, how they affected everyday life, and the development of domestic and international crises.
HI2: TWENTIETH CENTURY HISTORY (SINCE 1945)
This Unit provides the opportunity to investigate major themes and principal events of post-war history: the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the emergence of social movements such as the Black Civil Rights movement and peace movements, the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the end of the apartheid and the development of organisations such as the European Union, North American Free Trade (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
HR3: HISTORY 3 - REVOLUTIONS
This Unit examines a revolution from its deliberate attempt to break with the past by its destruction of the old order, through to its program of radical transformation in an attempt to establish a new order. In Unit 3 the Russian Revolution is the focus of study and it entails an examination of Russian Society from 1896 to 1927.
HR4: HISTORY 4 - REVOLUTIONS
This Unit examines a revolution from its deliberate attempt to break with the past by its destruction of the old order, through to its program of radical transformation in an attempt to establish a new order. In Unit 4 the Chinese Revolution is the focus of study and it entails an examination of Chinese Society from 1912 to 1976.
Sociology
Sociology focuses on the study of human behaviour and social interaction to understand how societies are organised, develop and change. Sociology encourages us to become aware and to think about the everyday things that we tend to take for granted.
SO1: YOUTH AND FAMILY
Unit 1 of Sociology explores the social category of youth and the social institution of family. Students analyse the way youth is constructed as a social category, in the light of differing experiences of young people. Students explore how and why the experience of being young differs across time and space. The second area of study focuses on the social institution of the family. In a multicultural society like Australia, different communities have different kinds of families and experiences of family life. Students analyse how factors such as changing demographics, feminism, individualism, technology and government policy affect the institution of family.
SO2: SOCIAL NORMS: BREAKING THE CODE
Unit 2 of Sociology focuses on the concepts of deviance and crime. Students explore different types of rule breaking behaviour and examine traditional views of criminality and deviance to investigate why people commit crimes or engage in deviant behaviour. Students also consider the criminal justice system to understand how crime and deviance has changed over time.
SO3: CULTURE AND ETHNICITY
This unit explores expressions of culture and ethnicity within Australian society in two different contexts – Australian Indigenous culture, and ethnicity in relation to migrant groups. The first area of study involves a critical exploration of the historical suppression of, and increasing public awareness of, Australian Indigenous culture. Ethnicity is Investigated in Area of Study 2. Ethnicity is a key sociological category that plays an important role in social life. Individuals often define themselves, or others, as members of at least one ethnic group based on a common heritage that gives them a unique social identity. Ethnicity is not fixed and unchanging; instead, ethnic identities constantly evolve and are shaped through a variety of political, cultural and social forces. Students develop an understanding of a variety of barriers and enablers that need to be considered when investigating experiences of ethnicity.
SO4: COMMUNITY, SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
In this unit students explore the ways sociologists have thought about the idea of community and how the various types of community are experienced. They examine the relationship between social movements and social change. Students explore the changing definitions and experiences of community. This includes an examination of the challenges and opportunities posed by political, social, economic and technological change. Students analyse the concept of community with particular reference to the theory of Ferdinand Tonnies. Students also investigate the role of social movements. They develop an understanding of the purpose, evolution, power and outcomes of social movements.
Note: There is a fee associated with Sociology Units 3 & 4 of $20.00 per year.**
Philosophy
The word philosophy means love of wisdom. This study introduces the critical methods of argument and analysis that have been developed by philosophers in response to such central questions as “What is knowledge?” or “What is existence?” It will involve the use of techniques of reasoning, logic and argument in the development of responses to the questions of philosophy as they relate to life and participation in contemporary society.
PL1: EXISTENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND REASONING
What is the nature of reality? How can we acquire certain knowledge? These are some of the questions that have challenged humans for millennia and underpin ongoing endeavours in areas as diverse as science, justice and the arts. This unit engages students with fundamental philosophical questions through active, guided investigation and critical discussion of two key areas of philosophy: epistemology and metaphysics. Students investigate relevant debates in applied epistemology and metaphysics and consider whether the philosophical bases of these debates continue to have relevance in contemporary society and our everyday lives. The emphasis is on philosophical inquiry – ‘doing philosophy’, for example through formulation of questions and philosophical exchanges with others. Hence the study and practice of techniques of reasoning are central to this unit. As students learn to think philosophically, appropriate examples of philosophical viewpoints and arguments, both contemporary and historical, are used to support, stimulate and enhance their thinking about central concepts and problems.
PL2: QUESTIONS OF VALUE
What are the foundations of our judgments about value? What is the relationship between different types of value? How, if at all, can particular value judgments be defended or criticised? This unit enables students to explore these questions in relation to different categories of value judgment within the realms of morality, political and social philosophy and aesthetics. Students also explore ways in which viewpoints and arguments in value theory can inform and be informed by contemporary debates. They study at least one primary philosophical text, using the complete text or an extract, and develop a range of skills including formulating philosophical questions and informed responses.
PL3: MINDS, BODIES AND PERSONS
This unit considers basic questions regarding the mind and the self through two key questions: Are human beings more than their bodies? Is there a basis for the belief that an individual remains the same person over time? Students critically compare the viewpoints and arguments put forward in philosophical sources to their own views on these questions and to contemporary debates.
PL4: THE GOOD LIFE
This unit considers the crucial question of what it is for a human to live well. What does an understanding of human nature tell us about what it is to live well? What is the role of happiness in a life well lived? Is morality central to a good life? How does our social context impact on our conception of a good life? In this unit, students explore philosophical texts that have had a significant impact on western ideas about the good life. Students critically compare the viewpoints and arguments in set texts to their views on how we should live, and use their understandings to inform a reasoned response to contemporary debates.
Note: There is a fee associated with Philosophy Units 3 & 4 of $20.00 per year.**
Business Economic Studies
Accounting
Accounting plays an integral role in the successful operation and management of a small business. This study focuses on the financial recording, reporting and decision-making processes of a small business.
AC1: ROLE OF ACCOUNTING IN BUSINESS
This unit explores the establishment of a business and the role of accounting in the determination of business success or failure. In this, it considers the importance of accounting information to stakeholders. Students analyse, interpret and evaluate the performance of the business using financial and non-financial information. They use these evaluations to make recommendations regarding the suitability of a business as an investment. Students record financial data and prepare reports for service businesses owned by sole proprietors. Where appropriate, the accounting procedures developed in each area of study should incorporate the application of the Conceptual Framework and financial indicators to measure business performance and take into account the range of ethical considerations faced by business owners when making decisions, including financial, social and environmental.
AC2: ACCOUNTING AND DECISION-MAKING FOR A TRADING BUSINESS
In this unit students develop their knowledge of the accounting process for sole proprietors operating a trading business, with a focus on inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets. Students use manual processes and ICT, including spreadsheets, to prepare historical and budgeted accounting reports. Students analyse and evaluate the performance of the business relating to inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets. They use relevant financial and other information to predict, budget and compare the potential effects of alternative strategies on the performance of the business. Using these evaluations, students develop and suggest to the owner strategies to improve business performance.
AC3: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR A TRADING BUSINESS
This unit focuses on financial accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor and highlights the role of accounting as an information system. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data and prepare reports using the accrual basis of accounting and the perpetual method of inventory recording. Students develop their understanding of the accounting processes for recording and reporting and consider the effect of decisions made on the performance of the business. They interpret reports and information presented in a variety of formats and suggest strategies to the owner to improve the performance of the business.
AC4: RECORDING, REPORTING, BUDGETING AND DECISION-MAKING
In this unit students further develop their understanding of accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor and the role of accounting as an information system. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data, and prepare reports using the accrual basis of accounting and the perpetual method of inventory recording. Both manual methods and ICT are used to record and report. Students extend their understanding of the recording and reporting process with the inclusion of balance day adjustments and alternative depreciation methods. They investigate both the role and importance of budgeting in decision-making for a business. They analyse and interpret accounting reports and graphical representations to evaluate the performance of a business. From this evaluation, students suggest strategies to business owners to improve business performance.
Business Management
Business Management examines the ways in which people at a variety of levels within a business organisation manage resources to achieve the objectives of the organisation. Students develop an understanding of the challenges, complexity and rewards that come from business management and gain insight into the various ways resources can be managed in small, medium and large-scale organisations.
BM1: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 1 - PLANNING A BUSINESS
Businesses of all sizes are major contributors to the economic and social wellbeing of a nation. Therefore how businesses are formed and the fostering of conditions under which new business ideas can emerge are vital for a nation’s wellbeing. Taking a business idea and planning how to make it a reality are the cornerstones of economic and social development. In this unit students explore the factors affecting business ideas and the internal and external environments within which businesses operate, and the effect of these on planning a business
BM2: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 2 - ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS
This unit focuses on the establishment phase of a business’s life. Establishing a business involves complying with legal requirements as well as making decisions about how best to establish a system of financial record keeping, staff the business and establish a customer base. In this unit students examine the legal requirements that must be satisfied to establish a business. They investigate the essential features of effective marketing and consider the best way to meet the needs of the business in terms of staffing and financial record keeping. Students analyse various management practices in this area by applying this knowledge to contemporary business case studies from the past four years.
Note: There is a fee associated with Business Management Units 1 & 2 of $20.00 per year.**
BM3: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 3 - MANAGING A BUSINESS
In this unit students explore the key processes and issues concerned with managing a business efficiently and effectively to achieve the business objectives. Students examine the different types of businesses and their respective objectives. They consider corporate culture, management styles, management skills and the relationship between each of these. Students investigate strategies to manage both staff and business operations to meet objectives. Students develop an understanding of the complexity and challenge of managing businesses and through the use of contemporary business case studies from the past four years have the opportunity to compare theoretical perspectives with current practice.
BM4: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 4 - TRANSFORMING A BUSINESS
Businesses are under constant pressure to adapt and change to meet their objectives. In this unit students consider the importance of reviewing key performance indicators to determine current performance and the strategic management necessary to position a business for the future. Students study a theoretical model to undertake change, and consider a variety of strategies to manage change in the most efficient and effective way to improve business performance. They investigate the importance of leadership in change management. Using a contemporary business case study from the past four years, students evaluate business practice against theory.
Note: There is a fee associated with Business Management Units 3 & 4 of $5.00 per year.**
Legal Studies
Legal Studies is about the way the law relates to and serves both individuals and the community. It focuses on developing an understanding of the way in which law is generated, structured and operates in Australia.
LS1: GUILT AND LIABILITY
Criminal law and civil law aim to achieve social cohesion and protect the rights of individuals. In this unit, students investigate the key concepts of criminal can civil law, and apply these to actual and hypothetical cases to determine whether a defendant may be found guilty of a crime or liable in a civil matter.
LS2: SANCTIONS, REMEDIES AND RIGHTS
In this unit, students explore the methods and institutions that may be used to determine a criminal case or resolve a civil dispute. Students examine the purposes and types of sanctions and remedies and evaluate their effectiveness. Students undertake a detailed investigation of two criminal cases and two civil cases from the past four years to form a judgement about the ability of sanctions and remedies to achieve the principles of justice. Students also develop their understanding of the way human rights are protected in Australia and in another country.
Note: There is a fee associated with Legal Studies Units 1 & 2 of $15.00 per year.**
LS3: RIGHTS AND JUSTICE
The Victorian justice system aims to protect the rights of individuals and uphold the principles of justice: fairness, equality and access. In this unit, students examine the methods and institutions in the criminal and civil justice systems. Students explore a range of topics including the rights of the accused and the victims in criminal matters, the roles of the judge, jury, legal practitioners and the parties to a dispute. Students also evaluate the extent to which the principles of justice are upheld in the justice system. Throughout this unit, students apply legal reasoning and information to actual and hypothetical criminal and civil cases.
LS4: PEOPLE AND THE LAW
In this unit, students explore how the Australian Constitution establishes the law-making powers of the Commonwealth and state parliaments, and protects the Australian people through structures that act as a check on parliament in law-making. Students develop an understanding of the significance of the High Court in protecting and interpreting the Australian Constitution. They investigate parliament and the courts, and the relationship between the two in law-making, and consider the roles of the individual, the media and law reform bodies in influencing law reform.