HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Introduction to Sociology and Psychology 2 Introduction to Sociology and Psychology is a practical, relevant and interesting course which is available to either Year 11 or Year 12 students. It is suitable for learners who may have some experience in these areas from previous Senior School years as it will expand their skills and knowledge. It is also suitable for those with no experience in these course areas. During the year learners will thoroughly examine the disciplines of sociology with an emphasis on research methodology. There is also an emphasis on psychological development and youth culture. Electives include:
Psychology 3
Sociology 3
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. It is an applied discipline that gives learners the opportunity to use psychological principles to explain real-life situations and provide them with an understanding of the complex interactions between the biological, behavioural, cognitive and sociocultural factors that influence thought, emotions and behaviour.
Sociology engages learners in a close study of contemporary Australian society and social behaviour. With its focus on understanding and interpreting society and the people within it, Sociology examines the way we organise our lives, the role of institutions and the consequences of development and social change.
Major areas of study include: individual differences in personality, intelligence and gender typical behaviour, the human mind and the fundamentals of human memory and forgetting, sensation and visual perception, dream and sleep states, learning in animals and humans, and the basics of scientific investigation and reasoning.
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Lifespan development
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Youth culture
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cross cultural differences
What will I learn from this course?
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forensic psychology
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problem-solving
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pro-social and anti-social behaviour.
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critical evaluation
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the application of processes of scientific inquiry.
What will I learn from this course? •
essay and report writing
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learning and memory skills
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research and presentation skills
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understanding self and interpersonal skills
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how to create surveys and analyse statistics.
Pathways 3.
Pathways 1.
2.
useful to students seeking enrolment in psychology at university and who aim to pursue career pathways with the police force, in nursing, social work, teaching, physiotherapy, counselling, criminology or marketing.
The course requires sound writing skills and enables learners to work independently as researchers and observers of social behaviour. Learners will also engage cooperatively with others to explore and critique ideas about society. Learners undertaking this course in Year 11 must have achieved at least a B in Year 10 English. If this prerequisite has not been met, the student must negotiate acceptance into this course with the Sociology teacher. Sociology develops skills in research, analysis and discussion, as well as in organising and reporting information. Topics covered include: •
socialisation, conformity and deviance
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institutions (family, school, mass media and work), power and politics
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sociological research methods.
What will I learn from this course? •
how to describe and use terms, concepts, ideas and theories to explain key aspects of social structure and behaviour in contemporary Australian society
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how to write sociological essays.
provides direct links to: •
Psychology 3
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Sociology 3
is a good companion to: •
Working with Children 2
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Health Studies 3
provides useful knowledge and skills for careers in areas such as retail, advertising, child care, nursing, teaching, the police force or any career that involves working with people.
ST MARY’S COLLEGE COURSE GUIDE 2024
Pathways 1.
further study in sociology and criminology
2.
studies or employment in cultural and community development
3.
work in fields that address crime and substance abuse, youth and family matters and issues related to health care.
