Level 1 Philosophy: Awareness, Communities, and Activism
Course Description
Big Question: How do our values shape the world around us?
PURPOSE:
This course combines Philosophy and Senior Social Studies.
Philosophy seeks to understand the universe and our place in it. Students of philosophy pursue wisdom and insight from a variety of viewpoints and, using reasoned argument, explore different cultural perspectives. Students study philosophy to seek wisdom and insight, make ethical decisions, think critically, argue logically, build personal confidence, and broaden career options.
Senior Social Studies helps students to understand how individuals and groups take action to drive social change. We will look at examples of different social movements that have helped society progress before taking action ourselves to try and make an authentic change in our school and wider community.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Three internal achievement standards, one completed each term. The course seeks to introduce students to a range of philosophical concepts, themes and thinkers, as well as developing students' philosophical skills and their ability to make connections across traditional subject boundaries. The main aims of the course are to stimulate a love of learning and inquiry, and to develop a capacity to question - although success will also be acknowledged through NCEA credits.
VOCATIONAL PATHWAY:
Social and Community, Service Industries, University in the Social Sciences
Recommended Prior Learning
Satisfactory achievement in Year 10 Social Studies and English; or discretion of the HOD.
Learners also should demonstrate:
- Well-developed discussion skills, especially a willingness to listen to others.
- The ability to make connections across subject areas.
- Confidence in considering abstract ideas, and in accepting ambiguity.
- Developed writing skills, and the ability to organise notes and resources.
- Self-motivation and a determination to develop independent research skills.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Religious Studies 1.4 - Describe key beliefs of a religious tradition
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.2 - Conduct a social inquiry
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.4 - Report on personal involvement in a social justice and human rights action
NZQA Info
Social Studies 1.5 - Describe a social justice and human rights action
NZQA Info
Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights