SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

SOCIAL STUDIES 8
Within the time period 750-1750 CE, students will explore the global events, people, ideas and issues related to the following big ideas: contact & conflict can stimulate long term change; human and environmental factors shape changes in population & living standards; expansion & exploration had varying consequences for different groups; and changing ideas about the world created tension between people wanting to adopt new ideas & those wanting to preserve established traditions.

SOCIAL STUDIES 9
Within the time period 1750-1919, students will explore the important issues and ideas, peoples, and events of the day that relate to the following big ideas: societies and events are influenced by new ideas and ideologies; collective identity is constructed & can change over time; our physical environment influences the nature of political, social & economic change; and power disparities can alter the balance of relationships between individuals and society.

SOCIAL STUDIES 10
Within the time period 1914-present day, students will explore the peoples, events, ideas and issues that relate to the following big ideas: the contemporary world has been influenced and shaped by powerful global and regional conflicts; the development of political institutions are influenced by economic, social, ideological and geographic factors; our individual and collective worldviews lead to different perspectives and ideas about developments in Canadian society; and historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society.

EXPLORATIONS IN SOCIAL STUDIES 11
Explorations 11 gives students the space to explore a sampling of skills and topics from the different senior electives. This will include a range of First Peoples’ Studies, History, Geography, Politics, Social Justice, Law, or other topics depending on interest. This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies graduation requirements. It also gives an excellent foundation for a more focused pursuit of senior Social Studies subjects.

PSYCHOLOGY 11
Have you ever wondered why humans act the way they do? What happens when we sleep? How do we remember? Why are you attracted to certain people? Take Psychology 11 as a great introduction to human behavior, cognition, and relationships. Specific topics will include research methods, human development, social psychology, memory, sleep, and disorders.

20th CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12
This course is a study of world affairs in the 20th century: post World War I, the Cold War, the arms race, and the fall of Communism. This course gives students experiences and opportunities to develop skills that will increase their understanding of their lives as Canadians and as global citizens. Current events and continuing conflicts are discussed as they arise.

BC FIRST PEOPLES 12
This course looks at how the identities, worldviews, and language of First Peoples in BC are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land. We will also explore how cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of First Peoples in BC. You will investigate how the impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of First Peoples. And, you will develop your understanding of how, through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, First Peoples in BC challenge and resist ongoing colonialism in Canada. This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies and Indigenous Focus Course graduation requirements and is recognized as an academic elective for post-secondary school.

HIP HOP LITERACY 12
Would you like to explore, learn about, and appreciate the music and culture of Hip Hop? This course looks at different styles and trends of Hip Hop, and we learn how to understand the lyrics, visuals, and values of the music. We’ll trace the history of Hip Hop from its beginnings in the Bronx in the 1970’s to its current global popularity. We’ll also examine its relationship with poetry, literacy, and society. We’ll analyze the lyrics as poetry, and study the messages and ideas that different Hip Hop artists express. Through various speakers and field experiences, we’ll explore important themes like poverty, resistance, decolonization, masculinity, misogyny, homophobia, feminism, love, racial justice, and social movements. Join us for an exciting journey through the world of Hip Hop.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 12
This course is a great fit for students who want to learn more about the physical forces that shape the earth’s surfaces, build its features, and how humans are affected by this. Areas of study will include: tectonic and gradational processes, climatology, the biosphere, and environmental management. You will analyze the physical properties of four spheres: lithosphere (solid), atmosphere (gases), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (living). Emphasis will be given to fostering a sense of stewardship for our planet (sustainability, resource management and global citizenship). This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies graduation requirements and is recognized as an academic elective for post-secondary school.

COMPARATIVE CULTURES 12
This course is a great option for students who want to enhance their understanding of a variety of world cultures. From Ancient History through the ages, you will build your knowledge of the world’s cultural history and an appreciation for how different civilizations have contributed to the human experience. Belief contructs that shaped political, social, economic, and cultural structures will be examined. Join us for an engaging journey around the world that explores the connections between the past and the present. This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies graduation requirements and is recognized as an academic elective for post-secondary school.

LAW STUDIES 12
This is a survey course of Canadian law and legal issues. Emphasis is on statute law, case law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and criminal and civil law as encountered by the average citizen. Take this course to build your awareness of your legal rights and responsibilities. Topics include the development of Canadian law, civil rights and responsibilities, criminal law, legal procedures, and the fundamentals of civil law. Class discussions, debates, field studies, and guest speakers will play a key role in understanding the framework of our legal system. This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies graduation requirements and is recognized as an academic elective for post-secondary school.

SOCIAL JUSTICE 12
Social Justice is designed to raise students’ awareness of social injustice, enable them to analyze issues and situations from a social justice perspective, and to provide the skills, knowledge and framework for advocating for a socially just world. Take this course to look critically at the values and diversity of our communities and nation. Issues and topics will include: age, sex, marital status, political belief, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion and faith, and mental and physical ability. The course builds to motivate students into thinking and acting ethically. This course will fulfill Senior Social Studies graduation requirements and is recognized as an academic elective for post-secondary school.

PSYCHOLOGY 12
This course introduces students to the scientific study of the behaviour and mental processes of humans. You will be introduced to a range of topics often covered in a first year psychology program; this course is a good foundation for anyone interested in social sciences and working with humans. Psychology 11 is recommended but not required to take Psychology 12.

AP PSYCHOLOGY
Explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You will connect psychological concepts and theories to real-life scenarios, build your understanding of how to interpret data, and analyze research studies. AP Psychology is equivalent to the learning experience of a first-year post-secondary program, and students should be prepared for self-directed study. Successful completion of the AP Psychology exam can earn post-secondary credits, but the course on its own can be used as an academic elective for post-secondary schools. Psychology 11 is recommended but not required to take AP Psychology.