Individuals & Societies

Social Studies 8

Students will use geography skills and historical analysis to understand the development of world civilizations.Students will examine factors that have shaped modern society and make connections between the past and the present.

 

Socials Studies 9

Individuals and Societies 9 builds on themes developed in Individuals and Societies 8. Starting by looking atCanadian foundations in Europe, students will study the building of Canada as a nation through to Confederation. Students will analyze Canadian history through both the European and First Nations lens. Geographic knowledge and skills previously acquired are reinforced and expanded through a study of Canada’s present economy.

 

Social Studies 10

Individuals and Societies 10 deals with fundamentally important topics and issues that are basic to citizenshipin Canada and the world. Students will examine the historical background and structure of our federal,provincial, and municipal governments. Another aspect of Individuals and Societies 10 is an in-depth study of current global issues such as population explosion, the food crisis, resource allocation and Third Worlddevelopment. Equally relevant is a thorough study of Canada’s development as an independent nation and its role in the world community during the twentieth century. Highlights of this section of the course areWorld War I, the Depression, World War II, peacekeeping, and the socioeconomic growth of the nation.

 

20th Century World History 12

This course examines the history of world affairs in the 20th century, concentrating on the time period between 1919 and the present day. There is an emphasis on the West and its relation to world affairs. Included are the effects of the world wars, the decline of European power, the polarization of the Cold War,the end of colonial empires, and the emergence of a new modern era, including an emphasis on human rights. Students should be aware that critical thinking, analysis of historical information and essay writing are important parts of the course.

 

 

 

Asian Studies 12

The course will examine political, social, economic and environmental issues in various parts of Asia from 1850 to present. Students will study the diversity of these regions including how the nations of Asia evolved into their present states and how people currently live in this part of the world. They will learn about modernday geographical and economic trends such as urbanization, standard of living, globalization, migrationwithin and away from Asia, and how these factors contribute to growth, poverty, and inequality. Regional and global conflict and cooperation, and social and political movements, including human rights initiatives willbe explored. Asian Studies will expose students to different viewpoints and perspectives that are underrepresented within the greater Canadian and Western historical and modern day narrative as well as Canada's historical and current connections to the continent.

 

BC First Peoples 12

The course focuses on the diversity and depth of the cultures of British Columbia’s First Nations.   In emphasizing the languages, cultures, and history of First Nations peoples, the course addresses an important part of the history of British Columbia. Designed to introduce authentic Aboriginal content into the senior secondary curriculum, the course provides an opportunity for BC students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the traditions, history, and present realities of BC Aboriginal peoples, as well as a chance toconsider future challenges and opportunities. The course incorporates an important balance of expository and experiential learning. BC First Nations Studies addresses the richness and diversity of First Nations languages and cultures by exploring them within their own unique contexts. It is intended to provide a conceptual foundation for all learners to develop an appreciation and respect for similarities among anddifferences between the diverse cultures of the world.  This course meets the new graduation requirement to have 4 credits in an Indigenous Focused course, and the Social Studies 11 or Grade 12 elective requirement for the Graduation program for all students graduating in B.C. after September 2023. 

 

Geography (Human & Physical) 12

Geography is the study of the physical, natural and human elements of the global environment. The course examines many of the characteristics, processes, distributions and interactions among the physical components of the Earth’s surface. Studies include natural disasters, plate tectonics, climate, weather, demography, human and environment interactions, resources as well as the impact of climate change, global political and economic inequalities that continue to cause issues within the planet. The course will also allow for an in-depth study on sustainability. Course work will include mapping skills, air photo interpretation and labs, presentations, and a week-long field trip to the Rocky Mountains or California. 

 

Law Studies 12

Law is a survey course, designed to give students an understanding of Canada’s legal system. The topicscovered include criminal law, civil law (including torts), family law, contracts, the structure of Canada’s court system, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Current legal issues are also discussed in class. The course will include visits to the criminal courts, mock trials and guest speakers. Student evaluation will bedone through tests, quizzes, presentations and trials. Students should expect to regularly speak in front of theclass. There will be unit exams and a final exam at the end of the course

 

Social Justice 12

The aim of Social Justice is to raise students’ awareness of social injustice, to enable them to analyzesituations from a social justice perspective, and to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and an ethical framework to advocate for a socially just world. Past and present social injustices in Canada and the worldare analyzed, looking at the lasting impacts. Students will also study how governmental and non-governmental organizations shape society. Topics include: environmental justice, poverty, homelessness,racism, gender, LGBTQ, human rights, First Nations, genocide, and globalization.