2011 YR 8 & 9 Curriculum Handbook FINAL - Indooroopilly State ...

Studies of Society and EnvironmentSTUDIES OF SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENTOverviewWhat is Studies of Society and Environment?Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE)introduces young people to a world of ideas andexperiences which will enhance their self knowledgeand assist them to participate in their world. It is alsofully integrated with ICT (Information andCommunication Technology)Why study SOSE?The aim of the course is for students to understand,think, create, investigate, participate, communicateand reflect across a range of key areas - legal, social,historical, economic, cultural and environmental.Most importantly, the aim of the course is for studentsto enjoy a challenging journey of discovery.Course OutlineThis key learning area centres on human fascinationwith the way people interact with each other and withenvironments. It involves investigations of issues andpromotes critical thinking in the development ofoptimistic future visions. The areas of study are:• Ancient Cultures• Indigenous Australians• Environmental Studies• Medieval SocietySSEIntegration of ICT – students will work with thefollowing software packages:• PhotoImpact, Excel, Dreamweaver, MS Word,MS PowerPoint, Video Studio and/or MovieMaker• They will also use Learning Objects, Forums andChats via the LearningPlace• Online Homework via QuiaFuture OptionsBecause of the research, creativity and analyticalskills required of Social Sciences, this subject leads tosuch careers as researchers in a range of centralgovernment departments, Libraries, ParliamentaryServices, and in government ministries including theMinistries of Transport, Health, Education, andJustice, and in the private sector, in market research,broadcasting, management consultancy, banking andinsurance.Learning ExperiencesSOSE uses processes of social inquiry,environmental appraisal, analysis and the skills ofexamining various perspectives from past andpresent contexts. Students are encouraged to applytheir understandings and skills in their own lives, indeveloping environmental consciousness, socialcompetence and civic responsibility. In doing so, theyare engaged in actively exploring, making sense ofand contributing to improving the world around them.Preferred Pre-RequisitesSOSE at the Primary LevelAssessmentThe assessment program will consist of a varietyof techniques:-• Objective Short Answer Tests• Presentations - oral, graphic, computergeneratedetc.• In-class essay• Written assignment and/or projects16