Level 3 Social Studies
13SOST Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge:
Recommended Prior LearningThe focus at Level 3 is to understand how individuals and groups can influence and campaign for social change at local, national and global levels. We also look at different ideologies and belief systems and how these can influence people's behaviour and responses to different issues and events.
It is recommended, though not necessary, that students taking this course have completed Year 12 Social Studies. A comprehensive introduction to the key skills will be undertaken at the start of the year to ensure all students learn the core concepts and skills even if they haven't done the Level 2 course.
The study of Social Studies at this level is excellent preparation for tertiary education and a variety of careers including Sociologist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Anthropologist, Customer Service, Police Officer, Journalist, Councillor, Teacher, Lawyer, Human Resources, Economist, Judge, Judge’s Assistant, the United Nations, work with NGOs, Politics, Film Maker, Government Agencies, Nursing and Criminologist.
Topics include:
- Ideologies e.g. Gloriavale- Cult or Community?
- Debate over Euthanasia and Marriage Equality and how laws are made in NZ
- Crime Inquiry (Criminology/Psychology) where students can choose their crime focus e.g. 911, murder of George Floyd, Christchurch Mosque Shooting, Witchcraft in East Africa, Orlando Night Club Shooting, Charlottesville Confederate Statues protests, Women2Drive in Saudi Arabia,
- The Fight for Gender equality in India
- Social action campaign to address a social or environmental issue of your choice e.g. collecting donations for De Paul House, Period Poverty, Visit to Milford Primary school to educate about marine animals and bycatch, child poverty, deforestation, youth vaping, human rights issues.
At this level students are challenged to think critically about social issues, to analyse complex situations and find ways of explaining them, and to think about their own viewpoints.
This course will help prepare you for our complex world. Students planning to pursue careers that are people-focused will benefit for the issues and skills covered. If you are thinking about going into journalism, law, psychology, criminology, politics, social research, policy making, the Police, nursing, social work, teaching, public relations, business, and customer service then this is the course that will help you in the future.
The standards offered in this course may be altered at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Course Overview
Term 1
We will start with a comprehensive introduction to learn the key skills for the Level 3 course, using the conflict over Gloriavale on the West Coast of NZ. Is it a cult or a community?
Our first major unit of work will be to examine how law reform and the democratic process works in New Zealand. We will look at different people and groups campaign for law reform, using the recent euthanasia debate in NZ as our main case study.
Term 2
Our second major unit of work will involve social action. Students will work collaboratively to address a social or environmental issue of their choice. For example: period poverty, refugees, waste, ethical fashion, animal testing. There will be the opportunity for students to visit Milford School to do interactive workshops on their chosen issue.
The final internal assessment topic will be centred around Crime and Criminology. We will examine different theories of crime and students will conduct a critical inquiry inquiry about a crime motivated by ideology.
Term 3
Finally, we will prepare for the external achievement standard. We only do one external standard. We will examine gender inequality in India and look at how the ideologies of Conservative Hinduism and Feminism shape this issue.
Term 4
This term we will solely be focused on revision.
Career Pathways
Office Manager, Photographer, Policy Analyst, Tertiary Lecturer, Youth Worker, Scaffolder, Secondary School Teacher, Entertainer, Social Worker, Teacher Aide, Television Presenter, Cafe/Restaurant Manager, Film/Television Camera Operator, Marketing Specialist, Psychologist, Trainer, Journalist, Graphic Designer, Communications Professional, Community Development Worker, Conservator, Legal Executive, Editor, Solicitor, Corrections Officer, Judge, Actor, Advertising Specialist, Sales and Marketing Manager, Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Radio Presenter, Registered Nurse, Workplace Relations Adviser, Electronics Trades Worker, Personal Assistant, Early Childhood Teacher, Building Surveyor, Media Producer, Production Assistant (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Art Director (Film, Television or Stage), Artist, Artistic Director, Film and Video Editor, Barrister, Dancer, Cafe Worker, Horse Trainer, Primary School Teacher
Course Material Costs$20 to cover photocopying and consumables e.g. paint, coloured card etc.. needed for social action.