GEOGRAPHY

Geography is about determining the significance of “place” as it relates to the natural environment, the human environment, and interactions within and between them. To investigate geographic issues, students must analyze the influences and interrelationships that give a place its distinctive characteristics and thus its spatial importance. Geographic analysis also requires an investigation of the economic, environmental, social, and political perspectives that relate to an issue. The application of the concepts of geographic thinking, spatial skills, and the use of field studies are central to the geographic inquiry process and the learning of geography. 

HISTORY

The study of history fulfils a fundamental human desire to understand the past. It also appeals to our love of stories. Through the narrative of history, we learn about the people, events, emotions, struggles, and challenges that produced the present and that will shape the future. The study of history enables students to become critically thoughtful and informed citizens who are able to interpret and analyze historical, as well as current, issues, events, and developments, both in Canada and the world 

CIVICS, LAW & POLITICS

Civics

Politics is about how societies are governed, how public policy is developed, and how power is distributed. Civics is a branch of politics that focuses on the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship, the role of governments, and how people can get involved in the political process and take action on issues of civic importance. The study of civics supports students in becoming informed, engaged, and active citizens in the various communities to which they belong, whether at the local, national, or global level. 

Law

Law is intended to ensure fairness and to promote and maintain justice in society. Legal studies focuses on how rules are created, how they evolve, and how they are enforced and adjudicated within the legal system. Through the study of law, students examine how various forces shape law, and how law shapes interactions between and among people, institutions, and governments. The study of law enables students to develop an understanding of various areas of law, the relevance of law to everyday life, and the influence of entrenched rights and responsibilities on the Canadian legal system. 

Politics

Politics involves the study of how societies are governed, how public policy is developed, and how power is distributed. It also concerns how citizens take public action, working for the common good within communities at the local, national, and/or global level. Political inquiry involves the exploration of political concepts, processes, practices, issues, and trends, and the development of an understanding of the importance of political engagement and how and why the interests and perspectives of stakeholders may differ. Through such inquiry, students clarify and generate support for their own positions on a variety of issues. The study of politics also enables students to develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities and to explore various elements of the citizenship education framework. 

FAMILY STUDIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES 

Family Studies

In Family Studies courses, students learn about laws and policies that affect individuals and families in Canada and around the world. They also become familiar with the theoretical perspectives and practical research that underpin our understandings of individual and family development. All courses in family studies encourage students to develop critical and creative thinking skills. Students are given opportunities to deepen their understanding of relevant issues and to develop practical skills, including research and inquiry skills. Students are encouraged to explore a range of perspectives and approaches and to develop the habits of mind that enhance individual, family, and community well-being and contribute to lifelong learning. 

General Social Sciences -  Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology 

The Social Sciences examine human behavior, including its causes and consequences, at the individual, societal, cultural, and global levels. The courses in the general social sciences focus on theories and research from the fields of anthropology, psychology, and sociology with the goal of developing students’ understanding of people as individuals and groups and of social institutions. These courses provide the opportunity for students to explore human behavior, social groups, institutions, and various societies by examining various contemporary issues. In these courses, students develop their awareness of and ability to use social science methodologies and perspectives to examine the causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change and global inequalities.