Glossary

Aim
States the overall purpose of the syllabus.

Areas of study
These define the specific aspects to be studied within each topic. They are derived from the focus issues.

Chronological
According to time sequence. A chronology places events and dates in historical order.

Citizenship
The term ‘citizenship’ has both a legal and a social meaning. In a legal sense, citizenship is that set of rights and responsibilities granted to people in recognition of their attachment to a particular country. In a social sense, citizenship refers to the participation of people in their community as they fulfil and debate their rights and responsibilities.

Civic
Relating to a town/community or to citizenship.

Content
The substance or subject matter of what is to be studied by students over Stages 4–5 in History. Syllabus content encompasses: knowledge and understanding; skills; perspectives; values and attitudes; and civics and citizenship.

Empathy
An understanding of events, beliefs, values and attitudes from the perspective of others.

Focus issues
The focus issues are in the form of questions. They define the scope of the subject matter to be studied in each of Stages 4 and 5.

Heritage
That which belongs to an individual, group, community or nation as a result of birth, inheritance or membership.

Inquiry questions
These questions provide the scope of inquiry for each area of study. They are derived from the focus issues.

Objectives
These provide more specific statements of the intent of the syllabus. They amplify the aim and provide direction to teachers on the teaching and learning process emerging from the syllabus. They define in broad terms the knowledge and understanding, skills, and values and attitudes fundamental to History in Stages 4–5.

Outcomes
Statements that express the specific intended results of the teaching of the syllabus. Outcomes are derived from the content of the syllabus and are arranged in stages. They provide clear statements of the knowledge and understanding and skills expected to be gained by most students as a result of effective teaching and learning.

Perspective
A point of view or standpoint from which historical events, problems and issues can be analysed.

Principal focus
A broad description of the subject matter to be studied in each of Stages 4 and 5.

Rationale
Explains why the particular syllabus has been written and why it exists in that form.

Site study
The study of a historically significant location. Site studies can be undertaken either as fieldwork or by utilising CD-ROM or Internet technology.

Topics
The content of History Stages 4–5 is divided into a number of topics. Each topic contains a number of areas of study.