Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 8 HASS
Year 8 HASS: the medieval world and beyond. Students investigate the societies of medieval Europe, the Vikings, the Ottoman Empire, Shogunate Japan, and the Khmer Empire, alongside Civics, Citizenship, and Economics.
The Viking Age
An investigation into the Norse people, their expansion, and their enduring cultural impact on the medieval world.
Past the stereotype of violent raiders, the Vikings were also farmers, traders, and storytellers with a rich cultural tradition.
The expansion of the Viking world through raiding, trading networks, and voyages to new lands.
Exploring Old Norse mythology, the pantheon of gods like Odin and Thor, and the transition to Christianity.
The engineering brilliance of the longship and how it enabled Viking dominance of the seas.
The lasting impact of the Vikings on European culture, language, law, and the development of kingdoms.
Medieval Europe
An exploration of the social, political, and health crises that defined life in Europe during the Middle Ages.
The hierarchical structure of kings, lords, knights, and peasants that defined medieval social obligations.
The central role of the Christian Church in spiritual, political, and daily life.
Investigating the medieval legal system, trials by ordeal, and the nature of justice.
The series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land.
The devastating plague that killed a third of Europe's population and its social consequences.
The 1215 charter that limited the power of the King and laid the foundations for modern law.
The Ottoman Empire
A study of the rise, culture, and dominance of the Ottoman Empire across three continents.
How a small Turkish state became a global power through military innovation and the fall of Constantinople.
The golden age of the empire under its most famous Sultan and his legal reforms.
The diverse, multicultural society and the millet system that managed religious diversity.
The architectural wonders of Sinan and the scientific advancements of the Ottoman world.
The elite infantry units that formed the Sultan's household troops and bodyguards.
The lasting impact of the empire on the modern Middle East and Southeast Europe.
Shogunate Japan
Investigating the social structure and unique cultural identity of Japan under military rule.
The shift from Imperial rule to military government and the structure of Japanese feudalism.
The warrior class and the code of ethics that governed their lives and deaths.
The influence of religion on Japanese culture, including tea ceremonies and gardens.
The development of Japanese fortress architecture and the changing nature of warfare.
The long peace under the Tokugawa Shogunate and the policy of national isolation.
The arrival of Commodore Perry and the internal pressures that led to the Meiji Restoration.
The Khmer Empire
An investigation into the powerful Southeast Asian empire known for its architectural and hydraulic engineering.
The unification of the Khmer people and the expansion of their territory through Southeast Asia.
How the Khmer mastered hydrology with barays and canals to support a massive population.
The construction of the world's largest religious monument and the shift from Hinduism to Buddhism.
Exploring the lives of ordinary people, from farmers and fishers to traders and artisans.
The factors that led to the abandonment of the great city of Angkor.
Civics and Citizenship
Understanding the Australian legal and political system and how citizens participate in democracy.
The rule book for how Australia is governed and the division of powers.
The highest court in the Australian judicial system and its power to interpret the law.
How political parties form and the process of preferential voting in Australia.
Ways that individuals and groups can influence the government and create change.
The history and future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in Australian politics.
Australia's role in the international community and our responsibilities as global citizens.
Economics and Business
Investigating the Australian economy, markets, and the rights of consumers and workers.
How the forces of supply and demand determine what is produced and at what price.
Understanding the laws that protect consumers and the ethics of spending.
Exploring types of employment, the gig economy, and the rights of workers.
How entrepreneurs identify opportunities and use innovation to solve problems.
The growth and significance of the Indigenous business sector in Australia.
How Australia is connected to the global economy through trade and investment.
Practical skills for managing personal finances and understanding government budgets.