Family Studies Department

The Place of Social Sciences and the Humanities in the Curriculum

 

The discipline of social sciences and the humanities encompasses four areas: general social science, family studies, philosophy, and world religions. Each has its own focus, but all share a common purpose.

The social science and humanities courses share a common object of study: human beings and their world. Using methods of empirical data collection and scientific analysis, the social sciences study human behaviour and society within such fields as sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Through the examination of the structures, processes, and relationships on which these fields shed light, students learn about the wide range of factors that have influenced peoples, cultures, and societies. The humanities courses explore the basic nature and purpose of human existence. Through the study of the human expression of self through philosophy and theology, students become aware of humanity’s ongoing attempts to understand and articulate the meaning and purpose of life. In humanities courses, students will learn some of the different world views, historical and cultural theories, philosophies, and social trends that have shaped our world.  Both social science and humanities courses teach students fundamental skills, such as how to formulate appropriate questions, differentiate between evidence and opinion, recognize bias,and organize and communicate results effectively. Students are required to research information from a variety of sources, to think critically and make connections between the ideas and facts they gather, and to use that information to solve problems through both independent effort and collaborative work.

 

Source: Ministry of Education Social Sciences and Humanities Curriculum