UNIT 3: CULTURE AND ETHNICITY
Area of Study 1 involves a critical
exploration of the historical suppression
of, and increasing public awareness of,
Australian Indigenous culture. This
requires some knowledge of the past
and its influence on subsequent
generations, as well as knowledge of
contemporary factors that may be
supporting and/or limiting increasing
awareness of Australian Indigenous
culture. Indigenous and non-indigenous
perspectives and responses are
integral to the area of study.
Ethnicity is investigated in Area of
Study 2. Ethnicity is a key sociological
category that plays an important role in
social life. Individuals often define
themselves, or others, as members of
at least one ethnic group based on a
common heritage that gives them a
unique social identity. Ethnicity is not
fixed and unchanging; instead, ethnic
identities constantly evolve and are
shaped through a variety of political,
cultural and social forces. The concept
is often used in contrast to the concept
of race, which generally refers to
groups based on visible physical
characteristics such as skin colour and
facial features. Most sociologists prefer
to focus on the concept of ethnicity
rather than race.
VCE - Sociology (Units 3 & 4)
P A G E 5 5 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E S E N I O R S C H O O L 2 0 2 6 H A N D B O O K
UNIT 4: COMMUNITIES, SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
AND SOCIAL CHANGE
In Area of Study 1 students examine the
changing definitions and experiences of
community. This includes examination
of the challenges and opportunities
posed by political, social, economic and
technological change. Students
examine the concept of community with
particular reference to the theory of
Ferdinand Tonnies.
In Area of Study 2 students investigate
the role of social movements. A social
movement involves a group engaged in
an organised effort to achieve social
change. Students develop an
understanding of the purpose, evolution,
power and outcomes of social
movements.
SATISFACTORY COMPLETION
Unit 3
Outcome 1 Australian
Indigenous Culture
Outcome 2 Ethnicity
Unit 4
Outcome 1 Communities
Outcome 2 Social movements
and social change
Total Units 3 & 4
Final 2 hour examination
Unit 3 (25 marks) plus Unit 4 (25 marks)
plus Exam (50 marks) = 100 marks
25 marks
50% SAC
50% SAC
25 marks
50% SAC
50 marks
50 marks
50% SAC
ENTRY
Unit 1 and 2 Sociology preferred by not
required.