SOCIAL STUDIES

social studies overview

The primary goal of Social Studies education is to give students the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active, informed citizens who are able to think critically. Each course offers opportunities for learning at the local, regional, and world level and follows a progression of big ideas, curricular competencies and content focus areas. First People’s Principles of Learning ground each course and guide how we address historical and contemporary themes and topics, with an emphasis on the BC context.

SS9 and SS10 are required courses for graduation. Students must also take at least ONE Social Studies course at the senior (Grade 11 OR 12) level.

At Claremont there are several courses we offer at the senior level.

Law 12
History 12
Social Justice 12
Philosophy 12
IGS 11 or 12
Geography 12
Socials 11
BC First Peoples 12
Psychology 11 - Grade 11 Elective Credit (Non-Academic)
Psychology 12 - Grade 12 Elective Credit (Non-Academic)
Dual Credit - Geography 111 / Geography 12
Dual Credit - Psychology 130 / Psychology 12

SOCIAL STUDIES 9

Social Studies 9 is a course that will give students the knowledge, skills and competencies to be active, informed citizens who are able to think critically. By studying local, regional and world events that span 1750 - 1919, students will develop inquiry processes, analyze ideas and perspectives, understand cause and consequence and make reasoned ethical judgements. In particular, students will explore the motives behind world revolutions, assess the significance of first encounters between European Settlers and Indigenous populations and explore the diverse geography of Canada’s landscape.

SOCIAL STUDIES 10

In Social Studies 10, students will continue to build on their knowledge, skills and competencies developed in grade 9. By studying local, regional and world events that span 1919- current day, students will explore political institutions and ideologies, environmental, political and economic policies, and domestic and international conflicts and cooperation. Students will investigate discriminatory policies and injustices in Canada, analyze the complexities of Canadian autonomy and identity, and explore environmental, political, and economic policies.

SOCIAL STUDIES 11 EXPLORATIONS

In Social Studies 11 students have the opportunity to sample many different areas of study in the humanities. They will learn valuable competencies and skills while exploring topics such as 20th Century World History, Political Studies, Indigenous Studies, Human & Physical Geography, Philosophy, Social Justice, World Religions, Comparative Civilizations, Psychology, and Law. This senior level course counts as a senior level credit for social studies and gives the student the opportunity to sample many different topics.

BC FIRST PEOPLES STUDIES 12

BC First Peoples Studies 12 focuses on the diversity, depth, and integrity of British Columbia’s Indigenous population. Students will examine the impact of contact and colonialism and how it continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C’s Indigenous peoples. In emphasizing the languages, cultures, and history of Indigenous peoples, the course addresses an important part of the history of BC. Students will focus on the identities, worldviews, and languages of B.C. Indigenous and how they are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land. This course is designed to provide an opportunity for BC students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the traditions, history, and present realities of the BC Indigenous population, as well as a chance to consider future challenges.

SOCIAL JUSTICE 12

In Social Justice 12 students examine past and present social injustices in Canada and in the world, their possible causes, and their lasting impact on individuals, groups, and society. Possible topics include systemic racism, genocide, gender rights, environmental injustice and advocacy. Students examine how social justice issues are complex, interconnected and how world views shape and inform the understanding of these issues. Students also look at processes, methods, and approaches individuals, groups, and institutions use to promote social justice.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 12

Physical Geography 12 is an academic elective that explores the natural environment and the impact humans have on it. Units of study include: forces that build up and wear down the land, weather and climate, biomes, energy, and mapping-skills. Students will incorporate data from a variety of sources to better understand our globally connected world. They also look at the natural processes and how they have an impact on the landscape and human settlement. They also examine the interactions between human activities and the atmosphere while comparing how they affect local and global weather and climate.The course includes many visual resources that students interpret, sketch, and explain. Opportunities for field studies are offered during the course.

PHILOSOPHY 12

In philosophy 12 students examine the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence. They look at philosophy as a discipline and how it provides tools for investigating meaning and fostering understanding of different ways of thinking. Students study issues with no definitive answers and show how logic and reasoned arguments can determine which answers have more or less value.

PSYCHOLOGY 11

In psychology 11 students learn to understand themselves and others through a variety of psychological approaches. Students gain insights into how and why people think and behave as they do. They discover the historical roots of psychology and how today’s methods and practices have developed. They examine changes, growth and challenges throughout the lifespan, including child development, adolescent development and adulthood and aging. They inquire about the ways that the body and mind work together and impact behavior and mental processes (including memory, the brain, altered states of consciousness). Overall psychology 11 students learn to describe, predict, understand and influence behaviour and mental processes, while developing their skills for communicating in the social sciences.

PSYCHOLOGY 12

In psychology 12 the topics are timely and relevant for senior secondary students as they examine what motivates people to think, feel and behave the way they do. Students gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and personality while exploring psychological testing and the nature of intelligence. They also explore and develop an understanding of social psychology including: individual and group interaction, attitudes formation, social influences on behaviour, psychology of media, and interpersonal relations. Through readings, film, research, guest speakers and discussion, students gain a better understanding of mental health and wellness while developing skills for communicating in the social sciences.

PSYCHOLOGY 130 COMTEMPORARY ISSUES - Dual Credit

See the Dual Credit section – Camosun College offerings

20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12

In 20th Century History 12 students discover how nationalist movements can unite people in common causes or lead to intense conflict between different groups. They look at how rapid development and proliferation of technology in the 20th century has led to profound social, economic, and political changes. They examine the breakdown of long-standing empires and how they created new economic and political systems. When taking this course topics may include: the conclusions of world war one, the rise of fascism and communism, the second world war, cold war conflicts, human and civil rights, tension in the middle east, rise of modern China, and the fall of the Soviet Union. Students will be expected to inquire and infer while researching, writing and reading extensively.

LAW STUDIES 12

Law Studies 12 is a senior academic elective course, open to students in both grades 11 and 12. Students develop an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities and how it allows citizens to participate more fully in society. They look at laws and how they can maintain the status quo and can also be a force for change. They discover how society’s laws and legal framework affect many aspects of people’s daily lives and they analyze how laws are interpreted, and how these interpretations may evolve over time as society’s values and worldviews change. In this course students will participate in mock trials, simulated crime scene investigations (CSI) and field trips to local legal institutions such as the provincial and supreme courts and local police stations. The course also includes a variety of guest speakers from various legal professions in the community (ie. ERT, Crown and Defense Council, Judges, Correctional Officers Etc.).

Geography 111 / Geography 12

See the Dual Credit section – Camosun College offerings

INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

The Social Studies and Science Departments are pleased to offer the following courses to students who are interested in sustainability, environmental ecology and governance. The Institute for Global Solutions, which launched in September 2012, is an innovative program intended to encourage students to explore the defining challenges of our time.

IGS 9 Socials 9 / Science 9

IGS 9 gives students the opportunity to take Social Studies 9 & Science 9 in a year-long linear offering (eight credits). The IGS objective is crystal clear: to inspire, develop and implement solutions for a more resilient and equitable future. This cross-curricular approach pushes students to examine a number of historical and contemporary challenges from a multitude of perspectives. This class emphasizes research, field studies and hands-on learning. The linear model was selected to help new students transition to life at Claremont and give them consistency with two teachers and the same cohort over the entire school year. Interested students are required to complete an application form and the process for entry is competitive as we are limited to 46 seats.

Course Fee $50.00 to cover costs associated with Transportation for Field Trips

Claremont Institute for Global Solutions Video

IGS 10 Socials 10/ Science 10

The structure of IGS 10 allows you to take Science 10 & Social Studies 10 in a year-long offering (eight credits). The IGS objective is crystal clear: to inspire, develop and implement solutions for a more resilient and equitable future. The project-based curriculum is designed to equip students with tools and experiences to address the unprecedented environmental and humanitarian challenges of the 21st century – from poverty reduction to food production and urbanization to sustainable energy. Classroom discussions and debates will be complemented by guest speakers and field studies designed to enhance course-work with practical, hands-on experience. And because IGS realizes the importance of transferring knowledge from the classroom to the community, all students will take part in ‘Do Good’ projects to enhance the well-being of our community. Interested students are required to complete an application form and the process for entry is competitive as we are limited to 46 seats.

Course Fee $50.00 to cover costs associated with Transportation for Field Trips

Claremont Institute for Global Solutions Video

IGS 11 Political Studies 11 / International Relations 12

The IGS objective is crystal clear: to inspire, develop and implement solutions for a more resilient and equitable future. This offering combines Political Studies 11 (which counts for a Socials 11 credit) and International Relations 12 into a cross-curricular offering that will run in semester 1 in blocks 3 & 4. The project-based curriculum is designed to equip students with tools and experiences to address the unprecedented environmental and humanitarian challenges of the 21st century – from poverty reduction to food production and urbanization to sustainable energy. Classroom learning is complemented by a number of field studies and guest speakers. Students taking part in IGS 11 have the opportunity to take part in our annual Rails to Relevance trip. This field study gives students the chance to travel across our country, mostly by rail, and engage with our nation’s structure of government and democratic institutions. Last year the highlights included stops in Winnipeg, Quebec City, Ottawa, and New York. The cost of the optional trip is approximately $1800.00.

Claremont Institute for Global Solutions Video

Course Fee: $175.00

IGS 12 Environmental Science 12

The objective of IGS 12 Environmental Science is crystal clear: to inspire, develop and implement solutions for a more resilient and equitable future. Environmental Science is now accepted as a Grade 12 science for all Canadian post-secondary institutions. The project-based curriculum is designed to equip students with tools and experiences to address the unprecedented environmental and humanitarian challenges of the 21st century – from poverty reduction to food production and urbanization to sustainable energy. Students will also investigate the interconnectedness of global systems, including energy, land, water, and climate. Classroom learning is complemented by weekly field studies and guest speakers. The culminating IGS 12 trip takes us to Haida Gwaii where students work with local conservation biologists and Haida leaders. The week-long trip costs approximately $800.00 which is not included in the course fee. Join us for an empowering educational experience that takes learning outside of the boundaries of the traditional classroom and into the real world.

Claremont Institute for Global Solutions Video

Course Fee: $175.00

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