3SST

Level 3 Social Studies*

Course Description

In Level 3 Social Studies students will critically examine social and political issues in New Zealand and overseas, and analyse different perspectives on these. This course challenges students to think critically about contemporary society, the people in power and will help them to become informed citizens. It also gives students an opportunity to actively participate in social actions aimed at challenging existing social processes. Contexts and topics are contemporary and can be decided with the teacher as the year progresses and as social issues arise. 

All Year 13 Assessments come with Reading Literacy credits. The externals come with both reading and writing credits. Senior Social Studies is an approved subject for University. 

Learning Opportunities

In this course you will need to:

Develop these skills:Explore this content:
  • Critical Thinking Skills - to think critically about the people who are in positions of power and implications of this. How these people are represented in the media. Racism in societies, both nationally and overseas. 
  • Protests in Iran - Exploring the civil unrest and protests against the government of Iran associated with women's rights and the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

  • Collaboration - Students will be encouraged to work in groups and contribute to class discussions. Be mindful and respectful of all opinions.
  • Contemporary social issues to be decided by students and the teacher. Examples might include:
    • Current international, political and/or cultural conflicts and wars.
    • Human Rights (e.g. indigenous, gender, youth, worker, minority groups, asylum seekers).
    • Law changes (e.g. abortion laws).
    • Social media and book bans.
    • Crime and punishment (e.g. restorative vs punitive punishment, the death sentence).

  • Communication Skills - to share your thoughts and listen to others.  To continue to develop both your written and verbal communication skills.





Resources Required

1B8 exercise book, gluesticks, pens.

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

Total Credits Available: 24
Internal Assessed Credits: 16
External Assessed Credits: 8
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91596 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 3.1 - Demonstrate understanding of ideological responses to an issue


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91597 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 3.2 - Conduct a critical social inquiry


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91598 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of how ideologies shape society


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r,4w *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91599 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 3.4 - Examine personal involvement in a social action(s) that aims to influence policy change(s)


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 6r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91600 v2
NZQA Info

Social Studies 3.5 - Examine a campaign of social action(s) to influence policy change(s)


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 24
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 24
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 24

This course is University approved and will allow you to meet the requirements for University Entrance.