Social Sciences and Family Studies

Our social science courses provide a solid foundation for students everyday lives and their future studies. This range helps students to understand not only the conceptual and theoretical basis of core social science disciplines, but also how they apply to our lived experience.

Grade 11 Classes

Introduction to Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology

Course Code: HSP3U

This course provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the approaches and research methods used by social scientists. They will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues within the three disciplines. 

Housing and Home Design

Course Code: HLS3O

This course introduces students to a range of issues related to housing and home design. Students will learn about the needs that housing fulfils; housing options; home maintenance and safety; and environmental, economic, legal, and social considerations related to housing. They will use the elements and principles of design to analyse design and decorating decisions. Students will develop research skills as they investigate issues related to housing and home design. 

Grade 12 Classes

Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice

Course Code: HSE4M

This course enables students to develop an understanding of the theoretical, social, and historical underpinnings of various equity and social justice issues and to analyse strategies for bringing about positive social change. Students will learn about historical and contemporary equity and social justice issues in Canada and globally. They will explore power relations and the impact of a variety of factors on equity and social justice. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to an equity or social justice issue. 

World Cultures

Course Code: HSC4M

This course examines the nature of culture; how cultural identities are acquired, maintained, and transformed; and theories used to analyze cultures. Students will explore world cultures, with an emphasis on the analysis of religious and spiritual beliefs, art forms, and philosophy. They will study the contributions and influence of a range of cultural groups and will critically analyse issues facing ethnocultural groups within Canada and around the world. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to cultural diversity. 

The World of Fashion

Course Code: HNB4M

This course gives students the opportunity to explore the world of fashion. Students will learn how to create a fashion product using various tools, techniques, and technologies while developing their practical skills. Students will learn about various factors that affect the global fashion industry, the needs of specialized markets, and the impact of fibre and fabric production and care. In addition, they will learn about social and historical influences on fashion. Students will apply research skills when investigating aspects of the fashion world.