Introduction to Humanities – Topic 1: Values and Systems

30 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, concepts and Curtin-specific values introduced in Topic 1: Values and Systems of the Introduction to Humanities unit.

Humanities

Academic disciplines that study human culture, society and experience, such as history, languages, philosophy and the arts.

Centre for Enabling Pathways

Curtin University department that delivers preparatory units like Introduction to Humanities to support student success.

Social System

An organised set of interrelated institutions and relationships—including universities—that structure how people live together.

Culture and Systems

Module in the unit that explores how cultural beliefs, practices and institutions interact within wider social structures.

Personal Values

Deeply held beliefs or principles that guide an individual’s decisions and behaviour.

Social Values

Collective ideas about what is considered right, fair or important within a society.

Social Power

Ability of individuals or groups to influence others and shape societal norms, resources or decisions.

Social Cohesion

The degree to which members of a society feel connected, creating stability and a sense of belonging.

Reflective Writing

A process of critically examining experiences to gain insight and improve future actions.

What? So What? Now What? Model

Three-step framework for reflection: describe an event (What), interpret its significance (So What), and plan future action (Now What).

Integrity

Curtin value: acting ethically, honestly and with fairness.

Respect

Curtin value: listening to, valuing and acknowledging others.

Courage

Curtin value: leading, taking responsibility and questioning constructively.

Excellence

Curtin value: striving for outstanding quality and distinction.

Impact

Curtin value: empowering, enabling and inspiring positive change.

Australian Values Statement

Government declaration outlining principles such as freedom, equality and respect that new residents must support.

Learning Outcomes (Topic 1)

Goals: identify personal values; explain interactions between personal and societal values; reflect on values & social power; explain how social values promote cohesion.

Globalisation

Increasing interconnectedness of nations through trade, information and culture, influencing equality and economies.

Inequality

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities or rights among individuals or groups.

Diversity

Presence of varied identities—such as culture, race, gender and beliefs—within a group or society.

Prejudice

Pre-judging individuals or groups based on stereotypes rather than facts.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of people due to characteristics like race, gender or disability.

Stereotyping

Oversimplified generalisations about a group that ignore individual differences.

Othering

Framing certain people as outsiders or fundamentally different, often leading to exclusion.

Belonging

Feeling accepted and valued within a group or community.

Environmental Injustice

Unequal exposure of marginalised groups to environmental hazards or lack of resources.

Information Poverty

Limited access to information and communication technologies, restricting participation in the information age.

Food Scarcity

Lack of reliable access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.

Information Age

Current era characterised by rapid creation, distribution and manipulation of information through digital technologies.

“What Would You Do?” Social Experiment

Televised scenarios that test bystanders’ reactions to ethical dilemmas, used in class to prompt reflection on values.