Humanities & Social Sciences

To study Humanities and Languages is to explore what it means to be human.

These subjects challenge us to think deeply, communicate meaningfully, and understand the world through different perspectives. They give us the tools to engage with history, culture, philosophy, and society – not just as passive observers, but as active, compassionate participants.

In Humanities subjects, students investigate the forces that shape our world: the movements that have defined history, the ideas that question and refine our values, the languages that connect us, and the societies that mould our identities.

Through subjects like Philosophy, Sociology, Asian Studies, History, Business, Legal Studies, Economics, Psychology, and First Nations, students grapple with ethical dilemmas, explore human behaviour, and uncover the complexities of power, justice, and belonging.

Our courses extend beyond the classroom. Students engage in real-world experiences – visiting historic sites, debating big ideas, working with communities, and learning from guest speakers who bring contemporary issues to life. They take part in competitions, university collaborations, and excursions that reinforce the practical and personal impact of Humanities and Languages.

More than just an academic pursuit, the Humanities foster empathy, curiosity, and the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. They empower students not just to understand society—but to shape it.

Humanities subjects lend themselves to a wide variety of excursion activities and guest speakers, such as:

visiting the courts and the Penitentiary chapel
having numerous interactions with the University of Tasmania e.g. the Economics Challenge, Lawfest, visits to the Morris Miller library,
having many guest speakers: Police, local government, Legal Aid.
engaging with Debating and the Philosothon
working with children at day care centres and in the College,
entering the Sharemarket Game and the Plan Your Own Enterprise Competition.
on Country excursions and visits to archaeological sites.

Courses

Options Offered

Working with Children 2
Introduction to Sociology & Psychology 2
Psychology 3
Sociology 3
Enterprise at Work
Business Studies Foundation 2
Psychology 3
Accounting 3
Business Studies 3
Legal Studies Foundation 2
Legal Studies 3
Economics 3
Business Studies 3
History 2
Tasmanian Aboriginal Studies 2
First Nations Studies 3
Modern History 3
Ancient History 3
Geography 3
Philosophy 3
Australia in Asia & the Pacific 3
Asian Studies 3 (UTAS)
Certificate II in Tourism (VET)
Certificate II in Workplace Skills (Office Administration) (VET)
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VET)

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Frequently ASked Questions

HASS stands for Humanities and Social Sciences and includes subjects that can be grouped into 3 areas:
Legal/Government/Business related
Legal Studies Foundation 2 and Legal Studies 3, Business Studies Foundation 2 and Business Studies 3, Accounting 3 and Economics.
Behavioural
Introduction to Sociology and Psychology 2, Working with Children 2, Psychology 3 and Sociology 3.
History, Culture, Current Issues and Ideas
Tasmanian Aboriginal Studies 2, History and the Environment 2, Asian Studies (UTAS), Australia, Asia and the Pacific 3, Geography 3, Philosophy 3, First Nations 3, Modern History 3, Ancient History 3, French 2 and 3, Japanese 2 and 3, and CCAFL languages.
No, this is not required. However, some HASS subjects are recommended as being better suited for Year 12 students due to the academic demands and work requirements (e.g. Legal Studies 3, Economics 3, Psychology 3, Sociology 3).
A folio varies in content depending on the related subject. A folio might be a collection of work samples throughout the year or a research investigation.
Doing more than one subject with an externally assessed folio of work can create workload stress for some students. It is highly recommended that you understand the requirements and workload of doing two or more folio based subjects.
No, they don’t. First Nations 3 and Asian Studies (UTAS) have externally assessed pieces of work (sometimes called Folios) in place of an externally assessed exam. Sociology and Psychology have both an externally assessed exam and folio, both of equal importance.
The VET course focuses on the skills and knowledge an individual needs to work in a front-office environment. The Business Studies – Foundation 2 course focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to start your own business. It is the foundation course for Business Studies 3, Economics 3 and Accounting 3. Both courses attract TCE points.