Social Studies 3201 

Social Studies 3201 is a course in Canadian and World Issues in which students investigate how human life and experience is changing through the examination of selected themes: quality of life, political economy, population, and human-environmental interactions.

Unit 1:Integrated Concepts and Process Skills (ICPS)

These outcomes are not meant to be a discrete unit of work which is to be allotted a specific amount of time to complete. Rather, they should be integrated with the outcomes in units two through five. 

1.0 explain how democratic principles and civic engagement can influence the human

experience

• 1.1 explain the principles upon which Canadian democracy is based

• 1.2 collaborate to achieve a common goal

• 1.3 be able to act to improve the human experience

2.0 analyze information, events, ideas, issues, places, and trends to understand how they

influence the human experience

• 2.1 evaluate evidence

• 2.2 make comparisons

• 2.3 determine cause and consequence

• 2.4 determine significance

• 2.5 explain perspectives

• 2.6 make value judgments

3.0 respond to significant issues influencing the human experience

• 3.1 frame questions to focus an inquiry

• 3.2 gather and organize information

• 3.3 interpret, analyze, and evaluate information

• 3.4 develop rational conclusions supported by evidence

• 3.5 communicate perspectives and conclusions

Unit 2: Quality of Life

This unit provides students with the opportunity to explore the concept of quality of life as a primary theme that will be addressed throughout the course. In particular, students will investigate factors that influence quality of life and the relative nature of this concept based on local, national, or global contexts. Additionally, globalization as a trend influencing human development will be examined, as well as the growing importance of achieving sustainability in a world that is becoming ever more globalized. Finally, students will analyze issues and responses associated with these trends.

Outcomes and Delineations

4.0 demonstrate an understanding of quality of life

• 4.1 explain the concept of quality of life

• 4.2 explain indicators that can be used to measure quality of life

• 4.3 explain how innovations and ideas in the past influenced quality of life

5.0 evaluate the relationship between globalization and quality of life

• 5.1 explain the concept of globalization

• 5.2 explain how globalization influences the human experience

• 5.3 respond to issues related to globalization

6.0 evaluate the relationship between sustainability and quality of life

• 6.1 explain the concept of sustainability

• 6.2 explain how sustainability influences the human experience

• 6.3 respond to issues related to sustainability 

Unit 3: Political Economy

This unit provides students with the opportunity to explore the influence of economic and political issues on quality of life. In particular, students will investigate the issue of economic disparity as it exists nationally and globally, including its causes and the implications it has for quality of life. Additionally, students will examine how political stability influences a country’s ability to enact positive change for its citizens. Finally, students will analyze the relationship that exists between economic and political issues, as seen through the lenses of disparity and stability.

Outcomes and Delineations

7.0 demonstrate an understanding of how economic factors influence quality of life

• 7.1 explain the concept of economic disparity

• 7.2 explain factors that influence economic disparity

• 7.3 evaluate responses to economic disparity

8.0 demonstrate an understanding of how political factors influence quality of life

• 8.1 explain the concept of political stability

• 8.2 explain factors that influence political stability

• 8.3 evaluate responses to issues related to political stability

Unit 4: Population Change

This unit provides students with the opportunity to discover the connection between population change and quality of life. Students will examine the relationship between population, technology and carrying capacity. Students will then consider the experience of countries where population changed as per the Demographic Transition Model (DTM). Additionally, students will analyze the challenges and consider possible responses to high and low population growth rates. Throughout, students will investigate how over or underpopulation affects quality of life.

Outcomes and Delineations

10.0 demonstrate an understanding of how population changes influence quality of life

• 10.1 explain the relationship between population, carrying capacity, science and technology

• 10.2 explain the theory of demographic transition

• 10.3 explain the challenges and possible responses associated with high population growth rates

• 10.4 explain the challenges and possible responses associated with low population growth rates

Unit 5: Human-Environmental Interactions

This unit provides students with the opportunity to examine the relationship between human ways of life and the environment. Students will examine the nature of human-environmental interaction in terms of the resources we need, and how our resource needs create consequences for the planet. Additionally, students will investigate responses to the issues created by human interactions with the environment. Finally, students will consider, and respond to, human-environmental issues, examining the consequences on quality of life.

Outcomes and Delineations

12.0 demonstrate an understanding of how human-environmental interactions influence

 quality of life

• 12.1 explain the relationship between natural resource use and quality of life

• 12.2 explain the consequences of issues arising from human-environmental interaction

• 12.3 evaluate responses to issues of human-environmental interaction