Social Studies
Grade 9
Social Studies 10F: Canada in the Contemporary World (CCW10F - 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Grade 8 Social Studies
This course is all about living in Canada, how it is organized and how it connects to the rest of the world. It is intended to help students gain a greater understanding of our society and their role within it. Students will focus o n the contemporary opportunities and challenges facing Canada as a nation. They will consider diverse perspectives related to political, legal, and societal issues in Canada and explore the influence that multiculturalism, globalization, technology, and media have on culture and identity in Canada. Topics related to Indigenous history, rights, perspectives, cultures and tradition will be highlighted throughout the units. Through this inquiry, students will develop and enhance their ability to become informed, active and responsible citizens.
Students will continue to develop their critical and creative thinking skills, as well as their organizational, communication and decision-making skills and abilities through a variety of assignments and activities. These assignments and activities may include project and group work, media analysis, textbook activities, discussion and debate, role - playing, tests and a final exam. There will be a focus on engaging students to find out more about the world around them and an exploration of what it means to be an involved citizen.
Successful completion of this course is required before moving onto the grade 10 course Geographic Issues of the 21st Century.
Grade 10
Geographic Issues of the 21st Century (GI20F - 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Social Studies 10F - Canada in the Contemporary World
In Geographic Issues of the 21st Century, students focus on a variety of issues and challenges of the contemporary world. They explore the nature of geography and its many uses in society. They develop skills related to geographical thinking by examining environmental issues and problems and proposing solutions to those problems. Students will study concepts related to the development and use of natural resources; the production and distribution of food; the implications of increasing urbanization and the effects of our energy systems on climate change. Throughout this course, students will explore Indigenous viewpoints surrounding various resource issues and the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable development, as well as the social, environmental and economic implications of their choices.
Specifically, this course is organized around 4 major units of study. Some of the major elements of each unit are described below:
Unit 1: Geographic Literacy: Students become more familiar with the discipline of geography and become more geographically literate. From climate to landform creation and other natural phenomena, students will learn more about 'how the world works' and some important skills that will allow them to navigate their world.
Unit 2: Natural Resources: Students examine diverse perspectives regarding the sustainability of resource extraction and consumption. Various resource issues will be looked at in depth and a major project will ask students to examine their lifestyle and its impact on the wider world.
Unit 3: Food from the Land: Students explore issues related to sustainable food production as well as potential impacts that a growing global population and climate change are likely to have on our ability to feed ourselves sustainably.
Unit 4: Industry and Urban Places: Students consider the major environmental, economic and social issues facing modern urban centres today and look at how we supply energy to these areas of society and the implications on climate change.
Students can expect a variety of learning approaches which stress co-operative learning. Through the use of various media technology, class discussions and debates, role playing, presentations and field trips, students will be encouraged to engage in a critical assessment of the impact of human activities on the natural environment and the ways in which we can plan for a sustainable future.
Successful completion of this course is required before moving onto the grade 11 Canadian History course. Students who enjoy the content, skill development, discussion and debate aspects of this course, may also be interested in other social science electives offered in grades 11 and 12. These include Global Issues, History of Western Civilization, History of Rock and Roll.
Grade 11
Canadian History 30F (HC30F - 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Gr. 10 Geography 20F
Grade 11 Canadian History is designed to examine the historical development of Canada through an investigation of the social and political history of the country. Modern Canada is a product of both the people and the events of the past. Through this course, students look at the various communities that have contributed to the formation of the Canadian nation, including the Indigenous, French, and British peoples. These groups, in turn, have been joined by peoples from around the globe, whose combined efforts have led to the diverse make-up and unique character of Canada today.
The Grade 11 Canadian History curriculum supports citizenship as a core concept and engages students in historical inquiry. Guided by Essential Questions, students focus on the history of Canada from the earliest times to the present. Throughout the course, students explore themes of Identity, Diversity, Citizenship and Governance and develop an appreciation for Canada’s evolving role in the world.
Specifically, this course is organized around 5 major units of study, or eras, which are organized chronologically. They are:
Unit 1: First Peoples and New France (up to 1763)
Unit 2: British North America (1763 – 1860s)
Unit 3: A New Dominion (1860s – 1914)
Unit 4: Forging a Nation (1914 – 1950s)
Unit 5: The Modern Era (1950s – present)
Students can expect a variety of learning experiences which employ the use of media technology, class discussions, role-playing, research projects, presentations, and independent study. Successful completion of this course opens the door to a variety of optional Social Studies courses that are offered at the grade 12 level at Dakota including Global Issues, History of Western Civilization, History of Rock and Roll, Canada 180 and Psychology.