Early Learning Through the Humanities and Social Sciences

• • What are artefacts and why are they relevant. Using children’s curiosity and wonder about their world through HASS. What is emergent curriculum and why it is important in the early years?
  • Inquiry learning. Learning skills for the HASS. Understanding the inquiry process. The "Project Approach".
  • Exploring diversity. Social and cultural understandings and competencies. Cultural identity and values.
  • History: Gathering information with families. Exploring children’s personal histories.
  • Exploring Indigenous history and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
  • Planning and assessing a HASS project. Using community resources. Excursions and Incursions.
  • Geography. Exploring Local Environments. Geography Curriculum.
  • Environmental education. Planning and assessing.
  • Sustainability. Planning and assessing.
  • Exploring local history and geography through community resources. Excursions and Incursions.
  • Working towards Civics and Citizenship in the early years. Social and emotional development of young children. Moral and values education.
  • Establishing a democratic classroom in the early years.
  • Developing a socially just classroom. Human rights conversations with young children.

• Study resources

  • Instructional methods

    • Web links
    • Audio/Video conferencing
    • Online assignment submission
    • Embedded Multimedia
    • Discussion forum/Discussion Board

  • Online materials

    • Audio-Video streaming
    • Resources and Links

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

CUR-EDC171-Teachers Inquiring About the World, or CUR-EDC175-Educators Inquiring About the World ;

Special requirements

• OtherDetails -
  • Additional materials

This subject is designed to investigate the knowledge, skills and understandings young children need as they connect with their world and continue to grow as active and contributing citizens. An inquiry approach underpins the development of an integrated teaching plan and collaborative inquiry from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning areas and includes Aboriginal culture, knowledge and understandings. The subject examines pedagogical approaches, theoretical perspectives and research which assist students to plan and implement teaching and learning programs to support children (birth – 8 years) as they build their sense of belonging and citizenship in the family and community. Students will critically reflect on the meaning of the educator as global citizen and explore how children's culture, heritage, and traditions can be valued within a variety of learning contexts.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

• Essay (50%)
• Report (50%)