Foreword

The writing of the Australian Curriculums for geography, history, economics and business, and civics and citizenship is an important and exciting chance for all of us to study these subjects separately. However, by having all of the subjects in this textbook, it makes us aware that there is significant correlation between them. In our world of simplistic divisions of knowledge there is always the danger that we see these subjects as quite separate and not connected. These subjects have a synergy and connection that is logical and obvious.

For example, to understand a history we need to consider the geography, and to make sense of the geography of a place or phenomenon we need to consider the concept of change over time. In 1987 the American geographer Donald Meinig said:

As shown in this textbook, the connection and interdependency of these subjects are particularly relevant as we study them in the Australian Curriculum.

Another example of the impact of geography on history is highlighted when we look at the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Some argue that the rise of the empire relied on a favourable location enabling good agricultural production, mountain protection, accessible travel and expansive trade, and that the fall of the empire had to do with a regional drought that decreased the fertility of the land and agricultural output. As a result, the lack of food strained the empire and damaged the political situation to the point of collapse. To further expand on the geographical and historical connection, how could we study Australian history without recognising the impact of geography on our settlement, politics, national character, military involvement and much more? As the Australian historian Geoffrey Blainey said in his 1966 book Tyranny of Distance:

While the team of authors assembled by Cambridge University Press to write Humanities and Social Sciences for the Australian Curriculum have written the textbook as distinct geography, history, economics and business, and civics and citizenship chapters in accordance with the curriculum, these topics frequently entwine. Such connections are found early in the history chapters when the geography of the area of study is highlighted by the inclusion of maps, and in geography the key concept of change makes it unavoidable to view the content without considering change over time and planning for the future.

In this textbook you will learn about the connection between humans and their social and environmental surroundings and hence the connection between all subjects. In history you will study the making of the modern world and the big transformations. The mass movements of people were a key feature of this period, as were the technological, economic and social changes of the Industrial Revolution. Empires expanded around the world and new ideas of political equality and nationalism lead to their downfall. The last chapters look particularly at Australia, Asia and the terrible cataclysm of World War I. The geography chapters enable you to study the nature and importance of the interconnections between humans and the environment in different places around the world. In the chapters addressing biomes and food security you will learn not only about the location and nature of biomes, but also how they have been altered by human use and how we can manage the environment and food resources for a sustainable future. The year level focus on interconnection and change continues as you study the nature and complexities of connections between places and between humans and places. This textbook provides an opportunity for you to see that geography impacts on our everyday lives and that we are part of a highly interconnected and interdependent world.

The economics and business chapters will provide a deep understanding of the global economy and participants, interactions and interdependency within this economy. You will explore Australia’s engagement with Asia, decision making within an economy and the changing global workplace. The civics and citizenship sections will build on your knowledge of the Australian political system including the role of the media, political parties and decisionmaking processes. These studies will enable you to see the development of the modern world and the global economy.

This textbook is unique in including many curriculums in one textbook. By doing so you will become aware of the relationships between these subjects and you will have the opportunity to connect them in a creative and meaningful way. The chapters are presented in a concise way with plenty of online supporting materials, interesting thoughts and facts, relevant primary and secondary sources, creative activities using relevant skills, eye-catching images and illustrations, glossary definitions and many other features to make this an outstanding resource for your learning. The authors hope that you find the study of these subjects of great relevance to you and, most importantly, enjoyable to learn about. Remember, the subjects are entwined and to really understand one we must consider the others.

Malcolm McInerney