Introduction to The Humanities - History
History is the study of the past from ancient civilisations to today’s news. Learning in the History domain provides students with knowledge, skills and behaviours to understand themselves and their world, to apply their understanding in their present lives and consider futures they desire.
The past is a great narrative of people’s lives, events both trivial and major, ideas and ways of thinking. The past gives students inspiration and alternatives for their own lives. It helps them understand how the world has changed in the past and how it might be changed again in the future. It assists students to distinguish between the ephemeral and what is of lasting worth.
The study of History encompasses the broad time sweep of human history from ancient and medieval times to today. It develops in students an understanding of cultures, ideas and values that are important to other societies as well as their own. It considers the way societies have changed and also the significant continuities which exist. Key concepts include time, continuity, change, motivation, cause and effect as well as concepts that relate to particular historical contexts.
Students learn that all history, including Australian history, reflects multiple influences and connections to an array of other countries, cultures and times. They learn about the key events in the history of the Australian nation and how it has evolved over time. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) history is an integral perspective within Australian history.
Students learn about the histories of the various people who live in Australia today, the diverse heritages, experiences, perspectives and aspirations. They learn that Australian identity is dynamic, has changed over time and is evolving still. This provides the basis for developing a sense of personal, cultural and national identity in a diverse multicultural nation and provides the understanding to develop perspectives on our nation, our region and our world.
Students explore the ATSI perspectives in Australian history and develop an understanding of traditional life encompassing social, political, economic and spiritual dimensions. They learn about the impact of, and response to, enforced change and the dynamism of current ATSI societies.
The study of history develops particular historical understanding – key concepts and skills that are fundamental to the everyday lives of students. These include skills in analysing and evaluating a range of primary and secondary sources such as artefacts, written documents, graphics, film, the Internet and media. Students learn that there are many perspectives on events and that explanations are often incomplete and contested. They develop skills in research and critical inquiry: framing questions, organising inquiries, identifying the origins of sources, identifying values and beliefs underpinning them and using the language of history. They demonstrate their understanding in a variety of forms such as timelines, oral presentations, reports, essays, narratives, multimedia presentations and film.
