Individuals and Societies in MYP

The Individuals and Societies subject area in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) incorporates disciplines traditionally studied in the humanities, as well as those in the social sciences. This subject area encourages students to respect and understand the world around them, equipping them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological, and cultural factors that impact individuals, societies, and environments.

Key objectives of Individuals and Societies in the MYP include:

• Developing inquiry skills: Students learn to collect, describe, and analyze data used in studies of societies, test hypotheses, and interpret complex information, including original source material.
• Fostering critical thinking: Through the study of real-world examples, research, and analysis, students develop their ability to think critically about diverse human cultures, attitudes, and beliefs.
• Encouraging global awareness: The subject promotes understanding of local and global contexts, helping students appreciate the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.
• Promoting responsible citizenship: Students are encouraged to act as responsible members of local and global communities, understanding the interactions and interdependence of individuals, societies, and the environment.

The MYP Individuals and Societies curriculum can be structured in various ways, including discrete courses focused on individual disciplines (e.g., history, geography, economics), modular courses that study multiple disciplines one at a time, or integrated courses that bring together knowledge from multiple disciplines within the subject group.