022210 HSIE Study 4: Family History in its Social Context

The study of personal and family history can be a powerful motivational strategy that inspires students to look at history in a new light. This subject is concerned with the nature and function of historical research methodology from the family history perspective. Students are exposed to a variety of historical sources and are encouraged to research their family history as a base for the understanding and interpretation of local, Australian and world history. They locate, analyse and interpret resources, form opinions, defend conclusions and compare these with what other historians have concluded about recorded historical events. Students design and conduct a problem-based research project which explores a family history in order to develop their skills in historical research. The course aims to encourage an inquiring mind and a lifelong interest in history.