Sheldon-Williams Collegiate
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Social Studies
| Degree: | High School Diploma |
| Field of Study: | High School/Secondary Diploma Programs, Other
Sociology
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In social studies it is important to have students grow in their knowledge of Canada and their world. Students will develop skills and knowledge as they progress through grades nine to twelve, which will help them, as they mature, to become well-rounded citizens. These courses also emphasize essential critical thinking and writing skills. Students electing to take courses such as law or psychology are also encouraged to complete some social studies classes.
Note: The Social Studies Evaluation Policy is outlined on page 7.
Grade 9
Social Studies 9 (Compulsory)
This is a foundational year in which the basic skills of writing research essays are taught.
The unit themes are as follows:
Time
- a sense of continuity with some of the achievements of ancient civilization;
Change
- the process and how societies adapt to it;
Causality
- a study of how major historical developments have had an impact on twentieth century Canadian traditions;
Culture
- the interaction of European culture with that of North American and indigenous nations;
Technology
- how rapidly changing technology affects the lifestyles of all Canadians.
Grade 10
Social Studies 10
This course studies the role of social organizations. Central concepts include political organizations, the decision-making structures in society, economic organizations that are developed in society, ideology and the decision-making process, international economic organizations, the impact of Western technological societies on the world; and international political organizations, interdependence, and balance of power. These themes will be developed through either historical content or social science content.
Grade 11
Note: Students must take one of Social Studies 20, Psychology 20, Psychology 30, or Law 30.
Social Studies 20
This course is a study of modern society through such concepts as economics, politics, and international relations and is highly recommended. Evaluation in this course follows the social studies department guidelines.
Psychology 20
The course allows students to discuss social issues and how they relate to their own lives. The expectations are the same as in other social studies classes. Topics studied include the following aspects of human development: stress, relaxation techniques, transactional analysis, self-esteem, phobias, dream analysis, and social influence and interaction.
Law 30
Note: Can be used as a Social Science 20 level credit and can be taken in grades eleven or twelve.
Some objectives of a law course are to provide an opportunity for students to learn of the basic principles of law, emphasizing those that are significant in our personal and business lives; to acquaint the student with the organization, jurisdiction and functioning of our judicial system; to inspire respect for law and authority; to develop a desire to do what is right; to examine the strengths and inadequacies of our present legal system; to understand the vocabulary in this area; and to use business and legal forms. Topics include our legal system, civil rights, contracts, family law, negotiable instruments, sales, bailments, real property, personal property, wills and inheritance, going into business, going to work, The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian citizenship, and civil law and criminal law.
Grade 12
Social Studies 30 (Compulsory)
This course is an in-depth study of Canada. The students look at many different aspects of their nation, geography, history, economic systems, political make-up and structure, Aboriginal and French heritage and relations, and so on. The students will acquire a solid understanding of what it means to be a Canadian citizen.
Psychology 30
Prerequisite: Psychology 20
This course will continue developing the students’ understanding of psychology. Students will begin to look at human development from childhood to old age.
Social Studies Department Evaluation Guidelines
The department believes that students need a variety of evaluation methods and, therefore, will incorporate tests, quizzes, homework checks, assignments, projects, role plays, self- and group evaluations, participation (including attendance), and formal essays.
The essays will constitute 40% of the grade nine marks in addition to a 15% final exam. The other 45% will be a combination of the methods noted above. In grades ten through twelve, there will be no final examinations, unless the teacher notifies students in elective classes. The percentage for the essays will, therefore, increase as the students progress: in grade 10 – 50%, in grade 11 – 55%, and in grade 12 – 60%.
Research essays are well-researched written studies of specific problems. They will be evaluated on a critical thinking scale:
Level 1 Knowledge/Facts
Level 2 Understanding/lnterpretation
Level 3 Conclusion/Application
Level 4 Analysis/Relationships
Level 5 Insight
Level 6 Judgement/Recommendations Final Summation
When a research essay is assigned, there will be sufficient class time for exploring the assigned problem and formulating theories. Class time will be assigned for preparing an outline; a fair and reasonable number of days will be set aside for personal completion of the essay. The expectation is that essays will be handed in on the assigned day. |
