Humanities

Humanities is a vibrant faculty with several specialty areas including English, History, English as a Second Language, Theory of Knowledge and Languages. The languages taught at the College are: French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.

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English
All students in the College study English and our courses reflect a wide range of interests. From Rogues, Romantics and Reformers to popular crime fiction, the literature of war and peace to future worlds, and the literature of Latin America to issues based units, the faculty offers much variety.

Students can involve themselves in detailed analyses of traditional, modern and contemporary song, write and create their own children’s books, study the great bard and look at his relevance today, consider the implications of censorship laws in society, present a puppet show demonstrating their understandings about a text, or construct analytical and critical essays.

We offer a range of units which will give students direct vocational skills but all courses develop skills which are relevant to the workplace, further study and future options.

To cater for the varied needs and abilities of students, two English courses are offered: English (T) and English (A)

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History
History is an area of growing interest in a contemporary world and is alive and flourishing at the College. Discover more about yourself, your country and the world by being an informed and active citizen. Students can undertake a study of history across a variety of periods, learning that the world and people are connected through the ages. The courses offered reflect the range of interests of past students and teachers. History gives students the opportunity to connect directly to professions such as politics, journalism, teaching, librarianship, law and archaeology.

Several courses are offered at the College:

Ancient History T/A – archaeology, Greek, Roman, Egyptian
Medieval and Renaissance History T/A
Modern History T/A – European, Asian, South & North American
Australian History T/A

ESL
Students who have been speaking English for less than four years study English as a Second Language (ESL).
Students who have been speaking English for less than seven years and who are not confident in the language may choose to study English as a Second Language (ESL).

Students can choose from two courses of study:

ESL (T)
ESL (A)

ESL (T) prepares students for university and can be counted as part of their tertiary entrance score.
ESL (A) is designed for students who plan to go on to CIT or enter the workforce after college.

We have students from over twenty countries and from a variety of language backgrounds.

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Languages
Five languages are offered for study at the College:

French (T)
Italian (T)
Chinese (T)
Japanese (T)

Students are offered courses from beginning to advanced levels and will immerse themselves in the language and culture of the country. Formal language, informal conversation, comprehension and vocabulary assignments, written work and research assignments are regular features of languages courses.

Students often conduct interviews, work in pairs, share dialogues and talks with the class. In addition, they enjoy cultural experiences such as preparing food, restaurant visits, and participation in excursions and events that are available locally.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
ToK involves an introduction to philosophy and philosophical questions. Students investigate logical argument, theories of science, mathematics, history and aesthetics; and the basis of moral and political judgements. The big philosophical questions are asked: What is happiness, beauty, truth, ethics, morality? How do we know?

Full descriptions of all courses appear in our Handbook.

Contact:
Anne Medway
 A/G Executive Teacher 
Canberra College 
Phillip ACT 2606 
Telephone: 02 62055797