Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 900091

Coordinator Mona Shrestha Opens in new window

Description This subject aims to help students develop an understanding and appreciation of Australian society. The subject will provide general information and familiarise students with key structures, events, concepts and terminology used in relation to Australian's modern society. At the end of this subject, students should have greater knowledge and understanding on Australia's history, governmental and political systems. They will learn about consumer laws, civilian rights and responsibilities as well as the composition of Australia's population and relevant variations and trends.

School Western Sydney The College

Discipline Studies in Human Society, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 0 Preparatory subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a Foundation program at The College.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Define and explain some key concepts related to the subject
2. Identify key elements of Australian society, e.g. population composition and historical events
3. Demonstrate an understanding of Australian institutions and systems, e.g. business, governmental, judicial and political systems
4. Interpret information in the form of text, graphs, statistics and illustrations
5. Write notes, summaries and extended responses based on unit content, readings and class discussions
6. Distinguish and respond to key words and terms in relation to Australian society

Subject Content

1. Australia - History
Settlement by Indigenous peoples and their location across Australia. 1788 the arrival of Europeans.
The role of convicts and migrants in establishing and developing Australia.
2. Australia's Population
Common statistics on size, age, distribution and cultural composition of Australia's population.
Reasons for variations, settlement patterns, range of belief systems and future population trends.
3. Australia's Government System
The three tiered system of government. The role and responsibilities associated with Local , State
and Federal levels of government.
4. Australia's Political Framework
Role of political parties in a democratic society. Types of political parties.
Electoral and voting processes in Australia.
5. Australian Legal System
The role of the judicial system (independent of government and military sections)
Common civilian rights and responsibilities as well as consumer laws.
6. Business In Australia - Consumers - Satisfying Wants
Needs, wants, goods, and services.
Factors determining which wants are satisfied.
7. Business In Australia - Consumers - Money
Barter, money, exchange, credit, interest and interest rates, purchasing goods and services - retail, direct sales, direct marketing.