Social Sciences & Humanities

Course Descriptions

Equity Studies

Gender Studies, Grade 11, University/College (HSG3M)

This course enables students to explore the social construction of gender. Students will learn about the dynamic nature of gender roles and norms; sexism and power relations; and the impact of representations of women and men in the media, popular culture, and the arts. Students will analyse a range of gender equity issues, including gender-based violence and workplace equity, in both Canadian and global contexts. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to gender equity.

Prerequisite: None

Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice, Grade 12, University/College (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.

Prerequisite: Any university, college, or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

World Cultures, Grade 12, University/College (HSC4M)

This course examines the nature of culture; how cultural identities are acquired, maintained, and transformed; and theories used to analyse 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.

Prerequisite: Any university, college, or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Family Studies

Exploring Family Studies, Grade 10, Open (HIF2O)

This course explores, within the context of families, some of the fundamental challenges people face: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will explore adolescent development and will have opportunities to develop interpersonal, decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. They will learn about the diverse ways in which families function in Canada and will use research skills as they explore topics related to individual and family needs and resources.

Prerequisite: None

Food and Nutrition

Food and Nutrition, Grade 10, Open (HFN2O)

This course focuses on guidelines for making nutritious food choices. Students will investigate factors that influence food choices, including beliefs, attitudes, current trends, traditional eating patterns, food-marketing strategies, and individual needs. Students will also explore the environmental impact of a variety of food choices at the local and global level. The course provides students with opportunities to develop food-preparation skills and introduces them to the use of social science research methods in the area of food and nutrition.

Prerequisite: None

Food and Culture, Grade 11, University/College (HFC3M)

This course focuses on the flavours, aromas, cooking techniques, foods, and cultural traditions of world cuisines. Students will explore the origins of and developments in diverse food traditions. They will demonstrate the ability to cook with ingredients and equipment from a variety of cultures, compare food-related etiquette in many countries and cultures, and explain how Canadian food choices and traditions have been influenced by other cultures. Students will develop practical skills and apply social science research methods while investigating foods and food practices from around the world.

Prerequisite: None

Food and Culture, Grade 11, Workplace (HFC3E)

This course focuses on the flavours, aromas, cooking techniques, foods, and cultural traditions of world cuisines. Students will demonstrate the ability to cook with ingredients and equipment from a range of cultures, describe food-related etiquette in a variety of countries and cultures, and explore ways in which Canadian food choices and traditions have been influenced by other cultures. Students will have opportunities to develop practical skills and apply research skills as they investigate foods and food practices from around the world.

Prerequisite: None

Nutrition and Health, Grade 12, University (HFA4U)

This course examines the relationships between food, energy balance, and nutritional status; the nutritional needs of individuals at different stages of life; and the role of nutrition in health and disease. Students will evaluate nutrition-related trends and will determine how food choices can promote food security and environmental responsibility. Students will learn about healthy eating, expand their repertoire of food-preparation techniques, and develop their social science research skills by investigating issues related to nutrition and health.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Nutrition and Health, Grade 12, College (HFA4C)

This course focuses on the relationship between nutrition and health at different stages of life and on global issues related to food production. Students will investigate the role of nutrition in health and disease and assess strategies for promoting food security and environmental responsibility. Students will learn about healthy eating, expand their repertoire of food-preparation techniques, and refine their ability to use social science research and inquiry methods to investigate topics related to nutrition and health.

Prerequisite: Any university, college, or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Food and Healthy Living, Grade 12, Workplace (HFL4E)

This course focuses on the fundamental food needs of young adults. Students will learn how to stock a kitchen, make nutritious food choices, and accommodate the food needs of others. Through a range of practical experiences, they will develop skills needed in food preparation for personal use and for employment in the food industry. They will also learn about dining etiquette in different contexts and about responsible consumer practices. Students will use social science research methods to investigate issues related to food preparation and nutrition.

Prerequisite: None

Raising and Caring for Children

Working with Infants and Young Children, Grade 11, College (HPW3C)

This course prepares students for occupations involving children from birth to six years of age. Students will study theories about child behaviour and development, and will have opportunities for research and observation and for practical experiences with young children. Students will become familiar with occupational opportunities and requirements related to working with infants and young children. They will also have opportunities to develop research and critical-thinking skills as they investigate and evaluate current research about early childhood education.

Prerequisite: None

General Family Studies

Families in Canada, Grade 12, University (HHS4U)

This course enables students to draw on sociological, psychological, and anthropological theories and research to analyse the development of individuals, intimate relationships, and family and parent-child relationships. Students will focus on issues and challenges facing individuals and families in Canada’s diverse society. They will develop analytical tools that enable them to assess various factors affecting families and to consider policies and practices intended to support families in Canada. They will develop the investigative skills required to conduct and communicate the results of research on individuals, intimate relationships, and parent-child relationships.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Families in Canada, Grade 12, College (HHS4C)

This course enables students to develop an understanding of social science theories as they apply to individual development, the development of intimate relationships, and family and parent-child relationships. Students will explore a range of issues relating to the development of individuals and families in contemporary Canadian society as well as in other cultures and historical periods. They will develop the investigative skills required to conduct research on individuals, intimate relationships, and parent-child roles and relationships in Canada.

Prerequisite: Any university, college, or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Personal Life Management, Grade 12, Open (HIP4O)

This course focuses on preparing students for living independently and working successfully with others. Students will learn to manage their personal resources to meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and housing. They will also learn about their personal, legal, and financial responsibilities and develop and apply interpersonal skills in order to make wise and responsible personal and occupational choices. Students will apply research and inquiry skills while investigating topics related to personal life management. The course emphasizes the achievement of expectations through practical experiences.

Prerequisite: None

General Social Sciences

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, Grade 11, University (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.

Prerequisite: The Grade 10 academic course in English, or the Grade 10 academic history course (Canadian and world studies)

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, Grade 11, College (HSP3C)

This course introduces students to theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students learn about approaches and research methods used by social scientists. Students will be given opportunities to apply theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current issues within the three disciplines.

Prerequisite: None

Challenge and Change in Society, Grade 12, University (HSB4U)

This course focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and their impact on society. Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use those ideas to analyse causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities. Students will explore ways in which social science research methods can be used to study social change.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

Philosophy

Philosophy: Questions and Theories,  Grade 12, University (HZT4U)

This course enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of philosophy and philosophical reasoning skills and to develop and apply their knowledge and skills while exploring specialized branches of philosophy (the course will cover at least three of the following branches: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy of science, social and political philosophy, aesthetics). Students will develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they formulate and evaluate arguments related to a variety of philosophical questions and theories. They will also develop research and inquiry skills related to the study and practice of philosophy.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies