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SOCIAL STUDIES
With a focus on inquiry-based learning, the Social Studies department aims to empower students to develop a genuine desire for global stewardship and social justice. Social Studies courses will explore our personal and social histories and see how they intersect with our present cultural and social narratives. We will provide opportunities for real-world action and celebrate when students choose to take risks and act. We will work to critique the impact of colonization and hegemonic structures, both past and present, while honouring Indigenous culture and history. Exploring a variety of worldviews, we will equip students to engage in respectful discourse to help bring God’s kingdom closer to reality.
Graduation Requirements Statement
To graduate, students need to take Social Studies 10 and a Social Studies course at the Grade 11 or 12 level.
GENERAL
Social Studies 9
Prerequisite: Social Studies 8
Description: This course focuses on the early exploration and colonization of North America and the interactions with First Peoples, as well as the major European revolutions. Students learn how historical forces – have had an impact on the world. In particular, they will study the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and modern-day revolutionary movements. In addition, we will study the formation of Canada as a nation, the development of democracy, and persisting societal inequalities. Students will explore themes of immigration, First Nations history and culture, geography, and politics.
Social Studies 10
Prerequisite: Social Studies 9 (Part of Humanities 9)
Graduation Requirement: Social Studies 10
Description: Social Studies 10 is an essential course for students to become active, informed and responsible citizens. Throughout the year, we will investigate the complexity of defining Canada’s identity and strive to learn from the knowledge systems of Indigenous Canadians. We begin the course by delving into the study of Canadian government and Canada’s roll in the First and Second World Wars, before studying about important issues such as social equality, living standards around the globe, the Holocaust and how humans impact the environment. As we are studying these topics, we will also compare and contrast differing worldviews and perspectives so that we may not only become citizens of the world, but also Christ’s ambassadors into the world.
SENIOR
20th Century World History 12
Prerequisite: Social Studies 10 and Grade 11 Standing
Graduation Requirement: Social Studies 11 or 12
Description: The 20th century is a history of conflicting ideologies, of crisis and of destruction on a more massive scale than at any other point in history. It is also a history of hope, redemption and evidence of God’s faithfulness. This course will let you examine the 20th century history of the world, with an aim to understand the forces that shaped our place in the contemporary world and the impact of history on political, economic, and social life. The theme and impact of nationalism and the rapid development of technology will continue throughout the course. We begin the course by looking at the aftermath of the Great War and the conditions that led to the most devastating human conflict in history- World War II. Then we will examine the events of the Second World War with an emphasis on the experiences of a broad variety of countries during the war. The course continues by having student learn about the issues during the Cold War era and examine the fight for equality around the world.
Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
Prerequisite: Social Studies 10 and Grade 11 Standing
Graduation Requirement: Social Studies 11 or 12 and Indigenous-Focused Course Work
Description: This course will use a social justice lens to explore themes and challenges that Indigenous peoples have encountered in the face of colonialism in Canada and across the globe. Students will use the socials studies inquiry processes and skills as they gather, interpret, and analyze ideas as well as communicate findings and decisions. In this course, students will be exposed to and explore topics relating to identity, worldview, resilience and the importance of connection to land as well as considering what it means to engage in the reconciliation process, share truth and bring healing in Canada and around the world.
Additional Information: This course fulfills the required 4 credits to fulfill the Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement.
Social Justice 12
Prerequisite: Social Studies 10 and Grade 11 Standing
Graduation Requirement: Social Studies 11 or 12
Description: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Social Justice 12 is a course where students are challenged to critically reflect on what it means to live in a just society and commit to explore their capacity to offer an alternative way of life that points towards Kingdom living because all life has dignity and value. Using social studies inquiry processes and skills, students will gather, interpret, and analyze ideas about topics such as genocide, human trafficking, power inequities, poverty, and ecocide. They will make ethical judgements about the causes of these issues by relating to biblical teachings and historical documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This course will end with the students crafting and executing a personal action plan that allows them to put into practice what they have learned throughout the course of the year.
