Humanities is a study of human progress and how people have organised themselves into societies over time, and how they have interacted with their physical environments. Humanities comprises the domains of History, Geography, Legal Studies, Commerce and Economics.
Humanities examines how humans organise themselves into communities and states to form institutions and systems. The study of these societies at a local, national and international level is critical for young people to develop an understanding of their world and its historical development.
Humanities provides a framework for developing student knowledge of a range of societies past and present, and urban and natural environments. The knowledge, skills and values students acquire in this study enable them to participate as confident, responsible and active citizens in a democratic society which functions in a global context. Students will gain a broad knowledge of the history and functioning of key elements of society in order to become well informed citizens able to form judgments and make critical decisions affecting the modern world in which they live. This knowledge also includes the development of aspects of economics to understand financial systems and to participate as informed, enterprising adults in personal and work situations.
Humanities focuses on the complex range of knowledge comprised of a mix of traditional disciplines and vocational and integrated studies, including the disciplines history, geography, economics, legal studies and political studies.
These disciplines provide Humanities with many important areas of knowledge:
- Australia and all its people
- Ancient and Medieval Societies
- Civics and Citizenship education
- Environmental awareness
- Global understanding
- The law
- The economy
- Enterprise skills
Studies in the Humanities key learning area assist students to develop knowledge, skills and values that enable them to participate as active and informed citizens in a democratic society and the global community.