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Humanities

The Humanities faculty at Aitken College offers a rich exploration of history, geography, civics, and related disciplines. Students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of the forces shaping society, past and present.

Year 7 Humanities introduces students to the foundations of historical and geographical inquiry. In history, students investigate the ancient past, exploring Australia’s earliest history alongside global perspectives like Ancient Greece. Geography units focus on water in the world and liveability, while Civics and Citizenship introduces the basics of political systems and civic engagement.

Year 8 Humanities expands students’ historical knowledge with an overview of the period from 650–1750 CE, delving into topics such as Medieval Europe and the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. Geography units cover landforms, rainforests, and changing nations, providing insights into the environment and urbanisation. Civics and Citizenship explores rights and freedoms, fostering an understanding of justice and social change.

Year 9 Humanities focuses on key events from 1750 to 1914, including Colonial Australia and World War I, encouraging students to understand how the past shapes the modern world. Geography units explore biomes, food security, and global interconnections, while Civics and Citizenship examines global connectedness, fostering awareness of Australia’s place in the world.

Year 10 Humanities prepares students for VCE with in-depth studies of the causes of World War II and Indigenous rights and freedoms. Geography units address climate change, wellbeing, and sustainable urban environments, highlighting critical issues for the future. These topics encourage students to think critically about historical and contemporary challenges.

Year 11 Sociology explores the key concepts of culture, socialisation, and deviance, as well as social movements and inequality. Students analyse how society functions and reflect on its structures and impacts on individuals and groups.

Year 12 Sociology examines Australian society, including its social institutions, power, and social change. Students engage with contemporary issues and explore sociological research methods and theories.

Year 11 Philosophy covers key areas such as epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics, encouraging students to critically engage with fundamental questions about reality and morality.

Year 12 Philosophy focuses on philosophical texts, challenges to ethical theories, and key debates in philosophy, equipping students with advanced critical thinking skills.

Year 11 History: Modern History explores the significant changes from 1750 to 1918, including industrialisation, imperialism, and the causes and consequences of World War I.

Year 12 History: Revolutions examines the causes and impacts of revolutionary change, focusing on the Chinese and American Revolutions, fostering deep historical understanding and analytical skills.

The Humanities faculty inspires students to think critically about the world, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex societal issues with confidence.