Social Studies
Mr. G. McLaughlin - Department Head
mclaughlin_g@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. M. England - Department Head england_m@sd36.bc.ca
Ms. G. Braley braily_g@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. D. Cunningham
cunningham_d@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. D. Hall
hall_d@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. S. Robertson
robertson_s@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. T. Trylinski
trylinski_t@sd36.bc.ca
Mr. T. Turcotte turcotte_t@sd36.bc.ca
Courses
SOCIAL STUDIES 8
Recommendation: n/a
In this introductory year to Social Studies at the secondary level, students are encouraged to develop serious work habits. The primary focus in this year is to develop adequate note taking skills and to maintain a notebook in a neat and organized manner. The course begins with geographic fundamentals: interpreting maps, weather and climate analysis, time and location information. The history section deals with Europe from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and World Exploration. To contrast the Western European civilization, the course also takes a look at the Eastern Cultures of India, China and Japan of the same time period. An examination of the major world religions rounds out the main course content. Current events are also studied.
SOCIAL STUDIES 9
Recommendation: SS 8
Social Studies 9 covers the early history of North America and Canada to 1815. The European component includes the major concepts of nationalism, imperialism as they relate to the English Civil War, French and American Revolutions. The Industrial Revolution is also taught. An additional emphasis will be placed on geography and current events.
SOCIAL STUDIES 10
Recommendation: SS 9
Social Studies 10 focuses on the development of Canada as a nation between 1815 and 1914. The history and geography of Western Canada, emphasizing British Columbia are given detailed study. The Canadian economy plus current events are other topics covered in SS 10.
SOCIAL STUDIES 10 HONOURS
Recommendation: SS 9
Social Studies 10 Honors is intended for academic students who wish to take advanced social studies in their senior years. The major topic is the development of historical and geographical Canada between 1815 and 1914. Students will be expected to read and analyze historical documents, form political opinions and articulate thoughts through advanced writing. Classroom activities will include individual and group assignments, both oral and written. Students will be expected to follow current events through out the semester. Students considering SS 10H should consult their Social Studies teacher before registering.
SOCIAL STUDIES 11
Provincial Exam
Recommendation: SS 10 or SS 10 Honours
Canadian history and it’s role in world affairs from the late 19th century to the present is studied in this course. The growth of Canada as a nation and her struggle for self-government are considered. The students will gain an understanding of the Canadian system of government. In the geography section, students examine population patterns, nationally and internationally. Global and international issues are studied as well as contemporary current events. Social Studies 11 has a provincial exam worth 20% of the student’s overall grade.
SOCIAL STUDIES 11
X1 BLOCK
Provincial Exam
Recommendation: SS 10 or SS 10 Honours
Canadian history from the late 19th century to the present is studied in this course. The growth of Canada as a nation and her struggle for self-government are considered. The students will gain an understanding of the Canadian government system. In the geography section, students examine population patterns, nationally and internationally. This X1 block will run in first semester—5 days per week—1 hour per day. ** Those students enrolling in SS 11 X are expected to maintain excellent attendance and assignment completion. Those students not maintaining expected standards may be asked to enroll in regular SS 11.
SOCIAL STUDIES 11 HONOURS
Provincial Exam
Recommendation: SS 10 or SS 10 Honours
Social Studies 11 Honours is designed to meet the needs of students who intend to pursue post-secondary secondary academic studies in a variety of fields. The intent of the Honours designation is to create an environment that gathers students that are both motivated to be challenged and capable of task accomplishment and individual research. Students will be expected to produce exemplary projects and participate actively in mock government exercises and simulations. It is assumed that strong students enrolled in this course will be able to demonstrate self-directed content mastery as the instructor will devote class time to research, analysis, writing, and presentation skills. Students enrolled in this course will be well prepared to enter Grade 12 government examinable courses. It is strongly recommended that students anticipating enrolling in the Honours course seek a recommendation from their Social Studies 10 teacher.
PSYCHOLOGY 11
BAA
Recommendation: n/a
Psychology 11 is designed to give students an introduction to the field and to serve as a precursor to Psychology 12. A variety of topics related to human behaviour are to e explored. The emphasis will be on understanding the different major approaches or perspectives to psychological theory. There is an emphasis on thinking critically in the analysis and evaluation of both current and historical theories and research on human behaviour. Popular topics in Psychology 11 will include but not be limited to: Introduction to Psychology, psychological thought and research methods, physiological basis for human behaviour, sensation and perception, human development. Learning and social psychology. This course includes activities and discussion regarding the role of psychology in your life and how psychology can benefit you now and in the future. Students who take Psychology will directly benefit from the course content which is modeled after first year post secondary Psychology 100. It is strongly recommended for those students who plan on entering the fields of education, law and any of the social sciences. Psychology 11 presents an overall picture of the field, which is defined as the “Science” of human and animal behaviour and experience. It is an introductory survey course designed with university/college bound students in mind. The course examines developmental, physiological and complex social psychological behaviours. It examines sensation, perception, remembering, abnormal psychology, methods of treatment, language, learning, motivation, emotions, personality and mental disorders. The course includes discussion about how psychology can help you now and in the future.
PSYCHOLOGY 12
BAA
Recommendation: Psychology 11 and Social Studies 11
Psychology 12 is the sequential course to Psychology 11. This course is strongly recommended for those grade 12 students who have taken Psychology 11 and intend on pursuing post secondary studies at college or university as much of the course content and requirements will be similar. The primary focus of Psychology 12 is to extend students’ learning in human behaviour to the areas of: personality, states of consciousness, health psychology, interpersonal relationships and psychological disorders. Students will be required to complete an independent research project in a chosen topic for the semester. Topics in Psychology 12 will include but not be limited to: major review, approaches to Psychology, states of consciousness, health Psychology, interpersonal relationships in psychology, sexuality and gender, abnormal psychology/psychological disorders, treatment and therapy in psychology. Psychology 12 is recommended for those students who plan on entering the fields of education, law, public health, communications or sociology.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 11
BAA
Recommendation: n/a
“If wisdom is attainable, let us not only win but enjoy it.” - Cicero
Philosophy is literally the ‘love of wisdom” and wisdom is just insight about living. This class assumes that you are new at philosophy, though none of you are new to many of the questions asked by philosophers. It will be assumed only that you sometimes wonder about life and this world and want to get your bearings a little better. Issues and questions addressed in Philosophy 11 include: What is Philosophy? What does it mean to know? How do we come to know? What is education and why bother pursuing an “educated mind”? What does it mean to be conscious? Do animals have consciousness? What is real(ity)? What constitutes language? What constitutes a moral action? Why be moral? Anyone who realizes how little they know about the things that matter most and how important it is to find out whatever we can about these issues is encouraged to take this course. And don’t forget we can actually have fun thinking about things that matter! This course is highly recommended for those students who intend on pursuing post secondary studies in college or university. It is particularly recommended for students who plan on entering the fields of education, law, political science and communications.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 12
BAA
Recommendation: n/a
Philosophy 12 provides students with the opportunity to inquire into the tradition of Western Philosophy, asking the most basic questions such as, Who am I? Do humans have free will? Does God exist? What is Justice? And What is Truth? The course will explore philosophical ideas as well as teach students how to think about all they learn. Students taking this course should be willing to think critically about important issues. To support discussions and goals, students will grapple with the thoughts of such philosophers as Plato, Descartes, Kant, Kierkegaard, and others, exploring issues such aesthetics, ontology, morality, ethics, epistemology and metaphysics. In Philosophy 12, students will develop their imaginative, critical, analytical and problem-solving skills through oral and written discussions and presentations of these philosophical idea This course is recommended for those Grade 12 students who intend on pursuing post secondary studies in college or university. Grade 12 students who take Philosophy will directly benefit from the course content which is modeled after first year post secondary Philosophy 100. It is particularly recommended for students who plan on entering the fields of education, law, political science and communications.
HISTORY 12
Provincial Exam
Recommendation: SS 11 or SS 11 Honours
Course Fee: a student study guide will be available for purchase ($25.00)
History 12 covers world history from 1919 to 1991. Major ideologies (i.e., communism, militarism, nationalism) and events of the twentieth century (i.e., WW2, Cold War, collapse of USSR) are explored in detail. Other areas of study include India, Middle East, China and South Africa. This is an intense course that requires a considerable amount of reading and several written assignments. Students may write a final government exam worth 40% of their total mark. Success in History 12 will prepare students for an advanced education in a number of post-secondary fields. A minimum mark of 80% in SS 11 is highly recommended. Students interested in taking this course should see the History 12 teacher for further information. As of September 2006, the government exam is optional for those students not attending a post-secondary institution.
GEOGRAPHY 12
Provincial Exam
Recommendation: SS 11 or SS 11 Honours
The Geography 12 is organized into three areas of study. Students will be introduced to the nature of Geography and the skills of map interpretation, aerial photo analysis, and data analysis, which will be put to use throughout the course. Physical Geography makes up the core of the course and includes topics such as plate tectonics, gradational forces (wind, water, ice, temperature and gravity), weather and climate. This base of physical geography will allow for exploration of the resources of the earth, their management, sustainability and the role humans play on this earth. This is a provincially examinable academic course, and will be treated as such. Final results are determined as follows: 60% by school evaluation, 40% by provincial examination. A C+/B or better standing in Social Studies 11 and a strong commitment to learning are strongly recommended for this course.
LAW 12
Recommendation: SS 11
Law is essential to the effective functioning of our Canadian society and, by its nature, influences all of us both directly and indirectly every day of our lives. A broad knowledge and understanding of law is a vital part of education and the development of active, informed citizenship. This is a practical course in which the student will gain an understanding of the origins and processes of Canadian law enabling them to better understand their rights, limitations and obligations. Some of the topics covered include: the function of law, criminal law, civil law, family law, contract law, youth and the law and civil rights. Law 12 will be particularly helpful to students considering a career in politics and government or as paralegals, police officers or lawyers. As the course involves sophisticated readings, it is suggested that students have a good background in both Social Studies and English.
LAW 12
X3 BLOCK
Recommendation: SS 11
Law is essential to the effective functioning of our Canadian society and, by its nature, influences all of us both directly and indirectly every day of our lives. A broad knowledge and understanding of law is a vital part of education and the development of active, informed citizenship. This is a practical course in which the student will gain an understanding of the origins and processes of Canadian law enabling them to better understand their rights, limitations and obligations. Some of the topics covered include: the function of law, criminal law, civil law, family law, youth and the law and civil rights. Law 12 will be particularly helpful to students considering a career in politics and government or as paralegals, police officers or lawyers. As the course involves sophisticated readings, it is suggested that students have a good background in both Social Studies and English. The pace of the X Block format will require a degree of discipline on part of the student over and above that which is expected in the normal semester timetable. Students are required to be on time, have all readings completed and be ready to work each day. Evaluations will be on a daily basis.
COMPARATIVE CIVILIZATIONS 12
Recommendation: SS 11
Comparative Civilizations traces the cultural history of both European and non-European civilizations. These civilizations and eras will all be considered: The European Middle Ages, the European Renaissance, Meso- American Civilizations: The Mayans, Aztecs, Inca, Ancient China, Japan or India. This course examines the traditions and way of life of the people from the selected time periods and emphasizes their artistic expressions through literature, art, architecture, music and dance. In making cross-cultural comparisons, at least one European and one Asian culture will be studied. When possible, field trips to various museums will be planned, as well as at least one field trip to an applicable, large screen, historical movie. Students in Comparative Civilizations will be required to complete an individual semester project integrating technology. There is no provincial government exam for this grade 12 credit course.
SOCIAL JUSTICE 12
Recommendation: Grade 11 or 12 students may take the course
Social Justice is about how we learn ethics and values, and from whom or what with reference to global issues. It will involve an analysis of our own values and beliefs, and how belief systems affect peoples’ perspectives and decisions on social issues. This course will recognize and analyze social injustices using a variety of examples of marginalized and oppressed groups, causes of social injustice, (such as fear, greed, conformity, conflicting values), and the consequences of these social injustices. We will examine issues in Canada and around the world through a variety of case studies, discussions, readings, and documentary viewings. You will work through a systemic analysis to propose solutions to cases of injustice and build your understanding of a socially just world while learning of the opportunities you have for life long participation in social justice. Sample topics: genocide, human trafficking, poverty, homelessness, race, religion, minority rights