Justice & Citizenship

Purpose

This elective is a theme-based subject that will explore issues of justice and equality from the perspectives of the various disciplines that are covered in the Humanities (Geography, History and Politics). In this subject, students will examine how the Australian criminal justice system, the government and the media influence our understanding of criminality in relation to marginalised sectors in society, with a strong focus on attitudes toward our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Historical and geographical perspectives relating to criminal justice will be considered as well as current local and global approaches. This subject will enable students to examine and develop their own viewpoints and opinions relating to issues of justice and to be actively engaged in an exploration of existing and possible responses to contemporary challenges.

Structure and Content

This elective is designed to allow students to dive deep into the causes and effects of injustice and to evaluate how power structures at local, national and global levels have influenced standpoints and positions on justice/approaches to justice. Students will be encouraged to critically examine their own perspectives, prejudices, opinions and views in relation to the issues that are presented and to take an active part in exploring their role as a citizen, from a local, global and Kingdom perspective. This elective focuses on the development of essential skills, including critical and creative thinking, investigative and research skills, and the ability to self-evaluate and reflect on growth in self-awareness, personal decision-making and responsible citizenship.