Social Studies Course Offerings
Social Studies, as defined in the BC curriculum, is a multidisciplinary subject that draws from the social sciences and humanities to study human interaction and natural and social environments. The overall goal of Social Studies is to develop thoughtful, responsible, active citizens who are able to acquire the requisite information to consider multiple perspectives and to make reasoned judgments. The curriculum provides students with opportunities as future citizens to critically reflect upon events and issues in order to examine the present, make connections with the past, and consider the future.
GRADE 8
Social Studies 8
In this introductory year to Social Studies at the secondary level, students are encouraged to develop serious work habits. The primary focus 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.
GRADE 9
Social Studies 9
Students will learn about Canada’s history from early discovery and settlement up to the War of 1812. The concept of “Revolution” will also be studied, specifically the English, French, American and Industrial Revolutions. Canada’s Physiographic Regions will be the focus of a Geography Unit with geography also being studied in context with each historical unit.
GRADE 10
Social Studies 10
The focus of Social Studies 10 is "Canada: Nationhood and Economic Relationships". This course covers the history of Canada from 1815 to 1914 with emphasis on Confederation and the development of the West. In addition, there will be an overview of Canada's economic activities including the relationship with the United States and other Pacific Rim countries. British Columbia's position in the Canadian economy will also be studied. Geographic knowledge and skills will be reinforced during the study of Canada's economy and history.
GRADE 11
Social Studies 11
Social Studies 11 is the final compulsory Socials course and must be successfully completed in order to graduate (unless students take First Nations 12). The course basically focuses on the history of Canada from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. Some of the expectations for the students include:
- an awareness of the regional, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Canadian society
- an awareness of the French/English relations
- a knowledge of the structure and operation of Canada’s three levels of government
- an understanding of Canada’s role in World War I and World War II
- an understanding of the major economic issues that have and continue to face Canadians
- a knowledge of some of the environmental issues facing Canada
At the end of the course students will be writing a Provincial exam that will be worth 20% of the final mark.
GRADE 12
History 12
History 12 is a world history course dealing with the major events and trends between the years 1919 and 1991. Topics include: The Versailles Treaty, the Russian Revolution, the growth of Communism, the rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II, the Cold War, decolonization, Civil Rights Movements, and the collapse of the Soviet Empire. This is a must-take course for those who want to better understand the events that are presently shaping our modern world.
A C+ standing in Social Studies 11 is strongly recommended before entering this course.
Comparative Civilization 12
Comparative Civilization 12 emphasizes the study of a broad range of cultures and civilizations from around the world to reflect the divergent backgrounds of Canada’s pluralistic society. The course will also focus on the inter-relations among art, culture, and belief systems of a variety of civilizations. The tradition and ways of life of people from selected time periods will also be examined. The course will also cover topics involving literature, technology, art, music, writing, and food from various countries. Cross cultural comparisons will be made for all civilizations covered.
Geography 12
This dynamic course explores both physical and human geography under the concepts of place and location. To understand the physical world (place), the following areas will be investigated: the formation of landforms, factors affecting weather and climate erosional and weathering agents and their continual effect on earth features. The human component considers how humans effect and are affected by their environment. Areas of study include resources management: e.g. Mining, forestry and damming; as well as proactive methods for conservation and pollution control. Topical issues will be addressed and students will be expected to research and understand opposing sides of environmental and human issues before drawing conclusions. Students have the opportunity to learn about location by studying the use of (GPS) global positioning systems, topographical maps, and G.I.S. (Geographic Information System).
A C+ standing in Social Studies 11 is strongly recommended before entering this course.
Law 12
Citizens should know their rights and responsibilities. The legal maxim “without knowledge no right exists”, and the legal principle “ignorance of the law is no excuse”, illustrate the extent to which knowledge of the content of law is presupposed by our legal system. This is a course that will look at government, criminal law, civil law, family law, property law and other items of interest. Highlights of the course include weekly debates a trip to the court house, guest speakers and mock trials.
BC First Nations Studies 12
BC First Nations Studies 12 is a interesting academic course designed for everyone in grade 11 or 12. Who really owns the land that makes up British Columbia? Is it First Nations people who have been here for thousands of years and never legally gave up ownership or is it the settlers who arrived 200 years ago? Should First Nations bands be able to form their own government separate from the provincial or federal government? Will private property be included in the land claims process? How will the answer to these questions affect us all today? Learn about land claims and the treaty making process that is in progress right now between the government of Canada, British Columbia and local First Nations bands. You will also learn about First Nations art, history and cultural values. Some potential field trips (at the teacher’s discretion) may include the provincial museum in Victoria, the UBC Museum of Anthropology, and the traditional Coast Salish sites in Mission, B.C. May be used as a Social Studies 11 credit and therefore the student must write the provincial exam.
