Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of human behaviour and interaction in social, cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. Humanities and Social Sciences have a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and consider opportunities and challenges for the future.

In the Western Australia Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area consists of four subjects: Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History.

By studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students will develop the ability to question; think critically; make decisions based on evidence; devise proposals for actions; and communicate effectively.

Thinking about, reflecting on, and responding to issues requires an understanding of the key historical, geographical, political, legal, economic, business and societal factors involved, and how these different factors interrelate.

The Humanities and Social Sciences subjects provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to develop a broad understanding of the world in which we live and how people can participate as active and informed citizens in the 21st century.

The Humanities and Social Sciences subjects include a range of skills that can be represented broadly as questioning and researching, analysing, evaluating and communicating and reflecting. Students apply these skills to their everyday learning activities and to investigate historical and contemporary events, developments, issues, and/or phenomena.