SOCIAL STUDIES / SCIENCES HUMAINES  

Social Studies 9 examines world and Canadian historical events and ideas that occurred from 1750 to 1919.  Topics studied may include the European Revolutions and American Revolutions; Colonial North America, the development of Canada as a nation, and the emergence of Modern Canada.  

Building on past skills, students will continue to develop the curricular competencies of Historical Significance and Perspective, Evidence, Continuity and Change, Cause and Consequence, and Ethical Judgement in order to investigate the “Big Ideas" of the course.   Additionally, students will practice inquiry processes and skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate ideas to help understand our place in, and responsibilities to, our world. 

Social Studies 10 examines Canadian and world historical events and ideas that occurred from 1919 to the Present.  Topics studied include Canada's identity, political institutions, and ideologies; Canada's development as an autonomous nation; and Canada's role in a global economy and environment. Students will continue to develop the curricular competencies of Historical Significance and Perspective, Evidence, Continuity and Change, Cause and Consequence, and Ethical Judgement in order to investigate the “Big Ideas" of the course.   Furthermore, students will continue to practice inquiry processes and skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate ideas to help understand our place in, and responsibilities to, our world. 

Social Studies 11: Explorations in Social Studies 11 examines various topics covered in the Grade 12 Social Studies course offerings. Students will study elements of History, Political Studies, Genocide Studies, BC First Peoples, and Social Justice throughout the course. Students will apply their learning to further their appreciation and understanding of their role as citizens in the world in which they live. In addition, students will continue to develop the curricular competencies of Significance, Perspective, Evidence, Continuity and Change, Cause and Consequence, and Ethical Judgement in order to investigate the "Big Ideas" of the course. Furthermore, students will continue to practice inquiry processes and skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate ideas to help understand their place in and responsibilities to our world.

The 20th Century World History 12 curriculum is designed to give students a range of experiences and opportunities to develop skills that will increase their understanding of their lives as Canadians and as global citizens. In addition, it will prepare them for further study in history as well as related disciplines. The scope of the curriculum is sufficiently broad to allow students to see the development of major patterns and trends in the 20th century, while maintaining a perspective that is relevant and interesting to students as citizens of Canada.  Students will continue to develop the curricular competencies of historical significance and perspective, using evidence, continuity and change, cause and consequence, and ethical judgement to investigate the "Big Ideas" of the course. 

                 
                SOCIAL STUDIES                                                       1 

The BC First Peoples 12 course examines how the identities, worldviews, and languages of BC First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through connection to the land. In this course, students will learn about first contact and, further, investigate the continued impact of colonialism in relation to the political, social, and economic lives of BC First Peoples. In addition to these impacts, students will examine and criticize the Canadian Government's role and response to the traumatic legacy of residential schools, the 60's scoop, and continued health crises in Indigenous communities. Students will examine how cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of BC First Peoples. In addition to this, students will engage with community members from local Nations. Finally, students will gain an understanding of how, through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, BC First Peoples challenge, resist, and resurge despite Canada's ongoing colonialism. 

Comparative Cultures 12 is offered to students wishing to experience and understand beliefs and ideas made tangible through the various texts and symbols of culture. The course encompasses the last 3,000 years and does not attempt to present a complete record of humankind's achievements.  Rather, Comparative Cultures 12 concentrates on crucial civilizing episodes and individual accomplishments that are pertinent to understanding our world. Students will gain an appreciation and insight into their own heritage through art, archaeology, religion, and philosophy - anything from Botticelli to Batman may be studied in this course!  

Physical Geography 12 is the study of the physical, natural, and human elements of the global environment.  Students will study the forces acting on the earth's surface (e.g., geotectonics, volcanism, erosion, etc.), earth's climate and weather, soils, and vegetation.   As well, current issues which affect humans including environmental threats, and management of global resources will be examined.  Students will therefore have a greater understanding of their responsibilities involving the inter-dependencies and inter-relationships affecting people and their surrounding environments.    

Understanding their legal rights and responsibilities allows citizens to participate more fully in society. Knowledge of the law is presupposed in our legal system, as illustrated by the maxim, “ignorance of the law is no excuse." It follows that students should understand how laws are applied and reviewed. Laws can maintain the status quo and can also be a force for change. Laws are interpreted and these interpretations may evolve over time as a society's values and worldviews change. The relevance of legal studies extends beyond students' need to know about the legal system and content of law but also explores how the legal framework affects many aspects of daily life. Legally literate students are more likely to become active, informed, and productive citizens, and are better equipped to participate effectively in a democratic society.  

This course is aimed at exploring the different issues confronting the world today, and how Social Justice issues are interconnected. It will concentrate on the origins of major global issues, its problems, the current conditions, and the approach from national governments. It will consider how individual worldviews shape and inform our understanding of these issues and the lasting impact these have on our society.  Using critical and creative thinking skills, and examining different perspectives, this course will connect students to the large global community and how social justice initiatives can transform individuals and the systems in which they exist. 

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