SSS11. Introduction to Natural Environments
4.5 credit points.
An overview of the earth's physical environment is provided, with particular reference to
the Pacific area. The focus is on world vegetation regions, environments, ecosystems
and natural resources, and the factors causing environmental change. Students gain
background knowledge of map reading and natural environments that will enable them to
teach relevant aspects of the Year 7-10 Social Science units "Living in Communities",
"Our Islands, Our People", "Human Needs and Environments", "Using Resources",
"Population Education" and "Our Changing Society". The course provides students with
skills to investigate their local environment, and involves practical and field studies.
SSS12. Society and Resources
4.5 credit points.
The course combines a basic introduction to sociology with a study of the utilisation of natural
resources, focusing particularly on the Pacific area. The section on sociology examines types
of society, social institutions, deviance, culture and social change. The study of resource
utilisation looks at how the fragile resources of the Pacific Islands are being exploited, and
ways in which they may be conserved through traditional practices and modern techniques.
There is an emphasis on tourism, as a growing industry that exploits cultural and natural
resources, and which needs to be carefully managed in the context of Pacific environments.
The course is designed to provide students with background knowledge for teaching the Year 7-10
Social Science units "Our Families", "Living in Communities", "Using Resources", "Tourism in
Vanuatu", "Learning to Live in Vanuatu", "Population Education" and "Our Changing Society".
Group discussions, visits and field studies are integral parts of the course.
SSS22. Our World in Change
9 credit points.
This course aims to provide students with an overview of significant developments in human
history, and to enable them to appreciate and understand the changes that are affecting
contemporary society. Students first study some basic economic theory, looking at micro- and
macro-economics, international trade and the role of supra-national organisations. They then
learn how to measure social change through the use of surveys and techniques of data analysis.
An examination of some of the key historical episodes that have produced major changes in
people's lives will focus on the beginning of cultivation, the growth of early "civilisations",
the Industrial Revolution, and the impacts of the Information Revolution of the late 20th
century. This leads into the final section of the course, which looks at major historical
developments and contemporary issues in the Pacific area. Students are expected to develop
critical thinking skills and to formulate their own well-reasoned viewpoints on key issues.
By the end of the course they will have acquired background knowledge for teaching the Year 8-10
Social Science units "Understanding Money", "Working Together", "Living in Towns, "Nations and
Governments", "Population Education" and "Our Changing Society".
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TSS12. Social Science Teaching Methods 1
9 credit points.
This course builds upon the experience gained during Teaching Practice 1. Students learn
about different teaching and learning strategies in Social Science, including discovery
learning, the organisation of group work and the selection and use of appropriate teaching
resources. There is a particular emphasis on teaching Year 7 and 8 classes in Vanuatu
schools. Later in the course, students find out about the organisation of field work and the
handling of gifted and weaker pupils. Much of the assessment of student progress is done
through micro-teaching sessions.
TSS21. Social Science Teaching Methods 2
9 credit points.
The course extends the skills and concepts acquired during Teaching Methods 1, and prepares
students for planning and teaching the Year 9 and 10 Social Science curriculum in Vanuatu
schools. The focus is on the effective management of student learning, with an emphasis on
planning a programme of lessons, updating the Social Science curriculum, teaching specific
skills, learning the value of role plays, teaching controversial issues, assessing student
progress and evaluating teacher performance. Students are prepared for Teaching Practice 2
at the end of the semester. Micro-teaching sessions focus on techniques for effective teaching.
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HP102. Contemporary History
Semester 1. 9 credit points.
"This course aims to give students an understanding both of the subject of history and of some
of the major historical events of the 20th century. The course begins with an examination of
the condition of Europe at the turn of the century and the major factors which contributed to
Europe's position of world dominance. Students will then be introduced to the themes and
movements that have enlivened the past century or so. Among these will be Imperialism and its
sequels, the "new Nationalism", independence and decolonisation. The use of Socialism / Communism
and Fascism in Europe and elsewhere and the reactions to them will also be considered. In
addition the course will take into account the appearance of globally significant powers outside
the traditional European framework and their historical and ideological foundations."
GE102. Introduction to Human Geography
Semesters 3. 9 credit points.
"This course examines the way in which people and their behaviour interact with the earth's
surface and develop spatial patterns and create inequalities. Students are introduced to
behavioural and locational studies in geography and are encouraged to understand the theories
that are the basis of human geography as well as the practical relevance of these theories
They study the environment by examining: a sense of place, social networks, world population
patterns, migration and movement, information and transport flows, agricultural intensification,
industrialisation and urbanisation. They examine the impacts of these processes on perception,
patterns and movements with respect to land allocation, political space and social inequalities.
Examples from the Pacific and the Third World are used throughout the course."
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