Introducing Society and Culture in HSIE

This year marks an exciting milestone for the HSIE faculty with the introduction of Society and Culture as a new subject offering. This contemporary course draws on rich, cross-disciplinary concepts and social research methods from anthropology, communication, cultural and media studies, philosophy, social psychology and sociology.

Society and Culture has direct relevance to the immediate needs of students and their future lives. Through the lens of interaction between persons, societies, cultures, environments and time, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their own society and culture, and the societies and cultures of others. Central to this learning is the analysis of key influences such as power, authority, identity, gender, technologies and globalisation.

This term, students applied these concepts through a diverse range of case studies. They conducted a cross-cultural study of the Amish community, explored the rise of gaming addiction camps, and critically examined the impact of the ‘manosphere’ in contemporary society. These inquiries encouraged curiosity, empathy and critical thinking.

Society and Culture student, Alicia Dooley adds that: 

“I really enjoy the class discussion and how much everyone participates expressing their different ideas and views.”

Students have engaged thoughtfully, showing impressive maturity in their approach to this new subject.