Level 1 Social Studies
Course Description
In this ever-changing world we are experiencing more and more conflict over important local, national, and international issues. We believe that it is important to be able to understand these problems from different perspectives to create long lasting solutions. In Social studies you will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to understand various viewpoints, fully explain your own, and play an active role in society.
The focus at Level 1 is to develop a sense of global citizenship through the examination of current social issues and cultural change in the 21st Century. Through this subject students will develop their general knowledge, writing and critical thinking skills.
Possible topics are:
- NZ Aotearoa Youth crime
- Culture and identity: Introduction to philosophy and ethics
- Cultural change and positive masculinity/Men's mental health
- Social and environmental challenges in New Zealand today: Participating in a social action project
- Global focus on human rights: Sustainable Development Goals
- Black Lives Matter, Police Brutality, Racism, and Protest.
- Beauty Standards- inquire into an issue associated with our current perceptions of beauty, including plastic surgery, different perceptions of beauty, child beauty pageants, size zero models, fur in fashion, body image and Instagram models, skin tanning and whitening and so on.
- Prisoners of conscience – the struggle for human rights and social justice (doing a social action).
- Cultural Change e.g. in gender roles. how we protest
- Current events and issues as they arise.
The standards and topics offered in this course may be altered at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Course Overview
Semester 1
A.S. 92051 v3 Social Studies 1.4 - Describe a social action undertaken to support or challenge a system
A.S. 92050 v3 Social Studies 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of decisions made in relation to a contemporary social issue
Semester 2
A.S. 92049 v3 Social Studies 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a contemporary social issue
A.S. 92048 v3 Social Studies 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of findings of a Social Studies inquiry
Recommended Prior Learning
There are no pre-requisites for this subject.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
1B5
Chromebook/Laptop (highly recommended)
Pathway
This subject leads towards a Level 3 UE course.
Standards marked (L) go towards meeting the Level 1 Literacy requirements.
Assessment Information
Assessments in Social studies will vary for each topic. They will include formal tests and exams, research projects, resource interpretation, and group work. There will be a strong focus on reflection and evaluation.Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.1 - Demonstrate understanding of findings of a Social Studies inquiry
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of perspectives on a contemporary social issue
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.3 - Demonstrate understanding of decisions made in relation to a contemporary social issue
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.4 - Describe a social action undertaken to support or challenge a system
Pathway Tags
Archivist, Police Officer, Historian, Barrister, Urban/Regional Planner, Elected Government Representative, Emergency Management Officer, Communications Professional, Solicitor, Corrections Officer, Judge, Economist, Health Promoter, Librarian, Library Assistant, Market Research Analyst, Survey Interviewer, Policy Analyst, Probation Officer, Youth Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Social Worker, Court Registry Officer, Marketing Specialist, Psychotherapist, Support Worker,
Disclaimer
Any information, costs or standards may change.