History: Empires

History: Empires (Units 1 & 2)

Course Summary

In History: Empires, you investigate some of history’s most dominant empires and the significant global changes they brought to the modern world. Empires at their core are about expanding and dominating across land, trade, culture and politics. In this subject you study how Empires used social control, culture, technology and war in a quest for power, prestige and influence over their rivals.It will help you to understand the unequal and diverse world around us today and building relevant skills critical for pathways involving research, evidence, argument and problem solving.

This is a good introduction to History: Revolutions (Unit 3&4).

VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • A historical inquiry in which you research a chosen topic and prepare a written report on it
  • An analysis of primary sources in which you will respond in a combination of short and long answers
  • An analysis of historical interpretations in which you will respond in a combination of short and long
  • An essay in which you will use a variety of evidence to support your arguments

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

Economics

Economics

Course Summary

Economics is the study of how resources are allocated to meet the needs and wants of society. It attempts to explain how and why people behave the way they do and the consequences of their decision-making. By unpacking the economic considerations around how to best meet the needs and wants of citizens, the study of Economics provides students with valuable insight into issues that may affect them both individually and as members of society. Economics assists us in making more informed and responsible decisions and in making a contribution to public debate as active citizens.

VCE: Units 1, 2, 3 & 4 available  

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Select an industry and create a visual photo-journey of how technology has evolved in this industry over the past fifty years
  • Visit a supermarket to investigate the level of competition in certain lines of goods; complete fieldwork to gather information and data on product types and product range, producers and whether the good is manufactured in Australia or overseas; organise to speak to the store manager to discuss some of the current issues and challenges facing supermarkets in Australia, e.g. the level of competition in the grocery industry
  • Use the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website (www.accc.gov.au) to investigate various types of anti-competitive behaviour; select one type of anti-competitive behaviour and prepare a written report on a current or a recent case investigated by the ACCC

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Excursion approx. costs $60

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

VCE Industry and Enterprise

VCE Industry and Enterprise

Course Summary

Industry and Enterprise at WSSC prepares you to effectively take part in the workplace.  In this course you will explore the development of enterprising behaviour, leadership and innovation in different workplace settings. You will also look at the significant issues faced by industry. You will develop work-related skills by actively exploring personal career goals and pathways. 

After completing the relevant occupational health and safety (OH&S) induction program, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the practical application of your work-related skills, by completing at least 35 hours of structured workplace learning. 

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Undertake structured workplace learning and complete a reflective journal or report of your experience
  • Investigate a career and create a profile for presentation
  • Develop a digital curriculum vitae and learning portfolio

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Nadiene Pastras

History: Ancient

History: Ancient

Course Summary

Are you interested in Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian Empires, Mesopotamian Empires and Ancient China? Studying Ancient History helps students develop an understanding of the social, political, economic and cultural influences on individuals and society across three millennia. Students will examine people, groups, events, ideas and movement to broaden their perspective. Being able to research, understand and interpret the history and make informed decision making in the present.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Investigate the creation of city-states and empires
  • Explore the invention of writing – a pivotal development in human history
  • Examine how life in an acient society of your choice were shaped by the complex interplay of social, political and economic factors
  • Complete an historical inquiries into ancient civilizations

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Textbook Hire $30

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

Legal Studies

Legal Studies

Course Summary

Are you interested in Human Rights? What is justice & fairness? Why we have laws and how they are made and applied? Studying Legal studies explores the legal system, as well as individual laws. This subject will give you the confidence and ability to access and participate in the legal system. You will develop skills and knowledge to create positive changes in law and the legal system.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Investigate current legal issue
  • Develop an understanding of Criminal Law and Civil Law
  • Explore Law making and dispute resolution
  • Learn about the Victorian legal system

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Checkpoints $35 (Optional Purchase)

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

Philosophy

Philosophy

Course Summary

Are you interested in ethics and life’s big questions? Do you enjoy debating? VCE Philosophy is a broad introduction into western philosophy and methods of inquiry. You will investigate human nature through questions about the relationship between body and mind, and personal identity, leading to an examination of the good life. VCE Philosophy is a challenging and stimulating study, which nurtures curiosity, problem-solving skills, open-mindedness and intellectual rigour. You will explore foundational ideas and enduring questions related to diverse fields including the humanities, sciences and the arts.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Socratic seminars 
  • Philosothon
  • Critical debate and discussion 

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Readings $25

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Michelle Heintze

Australian and Global Politics

Australian and Global Politics

Course Summary

Are you interested in politics? Interested in working in government and policymaking? VCE Australian and Global Politics is the study of contemporary power at both national and global levels. Through this study, you explore, explain, analyse and evaluate national and global political issues, and events. You will examine the interconnectedness of the contemporary global political arena and the impact of globalisation on culture, sovereignty, human rights and the environment. It examines the nature and power of key global actors and the types of power used by an Asia-Pacific state to achieve its national interests.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Develop an understanding of fundamental political concepts and be able to apply them
  • Explore the nature of contemporary politics and power in the national and global context
  • Examine and evaluate the characteristics and features of Australian democracy
  • Analyse global issues and challenges and the key factors that influence these
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of responses to global crises

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

Sociology

Sociology

Course Summary

Are you interested in human behaviour, how you fit into society and what it means to live in a society together? Studying Sociology gives you the knowledge and skills to understand how this interaction works and doesn’t work in society. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, research skills, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills. In Unit 1 & 2, you’ll take a deep dive into Youth, Family, Education and the Workplace. In Unit 3 & 4, you’ll explore culture and ethnicity.

VCE: Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • Exmine the role of the family and the impacts on it
  • Explore the theory of deviant behaviour
  • Explore the historical impacts of how we shape Aboriginal identity today
  • Develop an understand of social justice and human rights
  • Analyse social movements and examine criticisms for and against a movement

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Excursion $60

Unit 3 & 4

Excursion $60

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

History: Modern

History: Modern (Units 1 & 2)

Course Summary

In this subject you will investigate social, political, economic and cultural change in the later part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Modern History provides you with an opportunity to explore the significant events, ideas, individuals and movements that shaped the social, political, economic and technological conditions and developments that have defined the modern world. It will help you to understand the world that you live in today and building relevant skills critical for pathways involving research, evidence, argument and problem solving.

VCE: Unit 1 and Unit 2 available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • A historical inquiry in which you research a chosen topic and prepare a written report on it
  • An analysis of primary sources in which you will respond in a combination of short and long answers
  • An analysis of historical interpretations in which you will respond in a combination of short and long
  • An essay in which you will use a variety of evidence to support your arguments

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Approximate Costs

Unit 1 & 2

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur

History: Revolutions

History: Revolutions (3 & 4)

Course Summary

‘You say you want a revolution…well you know we all want to change the world…’ If you are like one of the Beatles and want a revolution well then you have come to the right place. Lenin, Robespierre, Mao and Washington are just some of the people you may meet on your journey through Revolutions. Countries have been changed, people have been killed and still many historians ponder whether or not the Revolution really brought about that much change. Join in the debate for yourself and decide whether or not a revolution is the best outcome for society.

VCE: Unit 3 & 4 sequence available

Learning Activities & Assessment

  • An analysis of primary to analyse the causes of revolution
  • An analysis of historical interpretations to analyse the consequences of revolution
  • An essay to analyse the causes of revolution
  • A historical inquiry in which you research a series of chosen topics to analyse the consequences of revolution

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Approximate Costs

Unit 3 & 4

Learning Area Contact

Humanities Learning Area Leader

Simmi Kaur