Socially-based Curriculum Unit

This unit, developed for HSP3M (Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, Grade 11, University/College Preparation), explores the concept that ‘perception is subjective’ and that altered personal perception shapes an individual’s behaviour and response to others.

By the end of this unit, students will have explored the following key case studies, ideas and theories:

• ‘Perception is Subjective’ the idea that individual perception is shaped by both physiological and environmental factors.
• Agents of socialization such as family, friends, teachers, different cultures, communities, and mass media shape our worldview and therefore shape our behaviour specifically in relation to stereotypes, discrimination and bullying.
• Sociological theories such as Thomas Cooley’s ‘The Looking Glass Self’ regarding how self-perception alters behaviour.
• How groups conform to behaviour dictated by the authority figures.
• The exploration of the bystander effect (also known as bystander apathy) through case studies of Kitty Genovese and Reginald Denny.
• Types of discriminatory behaviour and their impact on groups and individuals in society.
• Different types of bullying such as physical, relational and cyber bullying and their impact on individuals.

The unit summative activity brings together key concepts for the creation of either an anti-discrimination ad or an anti-bullying workshop.