Course Descriptions

In Social Studies 8 students will study world history from the decline of the Roman Empire to the end of the Renaissance. The course will focus on the historical, political, social and economic development of civilizations throughout the world from AD 500 to 1600. Throughout the year students will be encouraged to make connections to contemporary issues and events.

Social Studies 9

Students will study New France and the history and geography of British North America to 1815. They will also learn about the growth of democracy in Europe, about major revolutions, the Industrial Revolution and the results of Imperialism. Throughout the year students will be encouraged to make connections to contemporary issues and events.

Social Studies 10

This course will focus on the historical, political, social and economic development of Canada from 1815-1914.

Rebellions of 1837
Confederation and the creation of the Canadian Nation
A study of the settlement, economic development and distinctive features of Western Canada
The Pacific orientation of Western Canada due to immigration and trade

Throughout the year students will be encouraged to make connections to contemporary issues and events.

Transitional Social Studies 10

This course adapts the regular Social Studies 10 program for ESL students. At the end of the year, students will take an adapted version of the Social Studies 10 final exam to determine their placement in either regular or transitional Social Studies 11.

Social Studies 11

Social Studies 11 consists of three major components:

History
Geography
Government.

History: the social, political, and economic life of Canada is studied from roughly the beginning of the First World War to modern day Canada. Emphasis is placed on the study of Prime-Ministers and how their role has shaped Canadian and world events.

Geography: the relationship between humans and the environment is explored with emphasis on statistics relating to birth rate, death rate, literacy, standards of living and globalization.

Government: the government of Canada is studied with emphasis on the electoral process, the creation and administration of laws and the functioning of Parliament.

Transitional Social Studies 11

This course adapts the regular Social Studies program for ESL students to enable them to meet the learning outcomes of the regular program through reading materials and activities appropriate to their level of English comprehension. To complete the course students will write a cross grade examination to demonstrate their mastery f the core learning outcomes.

Civics Studies 11

The aim of Civic Studies 11 is to enhance students’ abilities and willingness to participate actively and responsibly in civic life. Civic Studies 11 offers opportunities for students to deliberate individually and with others on civic matters - local to global - for the purpose of becoming informed decision makers and empowered in civic action. This course is taught mainly from a political science perspective, with less emphasis on Canadian history than Social Studies 11. However, students will study some major historical events such as Canada’s participation in twentieth century wars and the Great depression as a basis for understanding current Canadian foreign, defense and economic policies. Students choosing Civic Studies 11 should be willing to participate actively in class discussions and debates, and to work independently on an Active Citizenship project.

History 12

History 12 will encompass a number of twentieth century topics. These will include the World of 1919, Promise and Collapse: 1919-1933, Turmoil and Tragedy: 1933-1945, Transformation and Tension: 1945-1963 and Progress and Uncertainty: 1963-1991. Students will be required to work with historic facts and hypotheses to formulate essays. Tests will also make up a large part of the term grade.

Geography 12

This course is designed to examine the physical environment in which we live by analyzing the physical properties of the biosphere, evaluating the effects of the biosphere on humans and examining how humans affect their environment. Topics include:

Environment and People
Nature of Geography Nature of Environment
Global citizenship
Physical/Biological Processes
Atmosphere-weather and climate
Earth's surface-tectonic & Gradiational Forces
Biosphere
Resources
Nature of Resources
Water as a Resource
Assessment and Management of Resources
Challenges of the Future
Geography's Contribution
Rights and Responsibilities
Geographic Skills
Maps & Aerial photographs

Comparative Civilizations 12

Comparative Civilizations 12 examines a variety of cultures and civilizations by analyzing political, social, economic and cultural structures. It intends to develop within students an appreciation for diversity within and among cultures, including their own. Included fields of study are the early civilizations of the Middle East, the Greco-Roman world, China and Europe in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation and Enlightenment. Study of other civilizations may be undertaken as independent units of study. Emphasis will be given to an exploration of the art and architecture of the various civilizations as reflections of their culture.

Law 12

Law 12 is concerned with the Canadian legal system and its application to the life of the individual. It is also designed to make students aware of their legal rights and responsibilities. Topics will include the development of Canadian law, civil rights and responsibilities, criminal law, legal procedures, tort law, contract law and family law. Other bodies of law may be studied as time allows.

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