Social Studies

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Geography 10 Academic 1.0 Credit
The grade 10 geography course deals with physical geography and centers around the five main themes of geography: Location, Place, Human-Environmental Interaction, Movement and Region. In the first part of the course, students are expected to develop an understanding of and practical experience in constructing, using and interpreting some of the image, map and graph skills commonly used by geographers to analyze the environment. The second part of the course deals with the various land, ocean and atmospheric processes that are at work sculpting the face of the Earth, as well as illustrating that Earth’s eco-systems are in delicate balance. The course will take a hands-on approach to learning, including an opportunity to apply mapping skills in a practical orienteering exercise.

Mi’kmaq Studies 10 Academic 1.0 Credit
The Mi’kmaq Studies course will provide all students with an understanding of historical and contemporary issues in Mi’kmaq society. The course will consider the cultural, social, spiritual, and political events, trends, and traditions in the history of the Mi’kmaq. The course will use an issue-based approach and will consider broad concepts such as justice, self-determination, political autonomy, education and schooling, the family, social and political organizations, native rights, spiritual principles, and personal/group identity. Students will analyze historical and contemporary issues in Mi’kmaq society, which will enable them to achieve a greater understanding of and respect for Mi’kmaq contributions to society.

History 10 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course, focusing on ancient/medieval history, allows students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the concept of civilization through the examination of the origins of civilization and a comparison of some civilizations that have contributed to the nature of the modern world.
There are four broad chronological divisions in the course:

1. The Evolution of Human Beings;

2. The Birth of Civilizations (may include Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, etc.);

3. Greece; and

4. Rome;

Each of these divisions can be considered from a number of points of view including geography, archaeology, society, language, religion and politics. Development of social study skills, such as researching, writing essays and analysis of documentary evidence will be emphasized.

History 10 IB Prep Academic 1.0 Credit

Topics include Canadian History prior to Confederation, European History (Enlightenment, French Revolution, Napoleon).

Prerequisites: acceptance to IB through application

History 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
Note: Offering of this course is dependent upon sufficient enrollment. The course is an overview of European history from the late Middle Ages up to the end of World War II.

African Canadian Studies 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course is an introduction to the historical experience of African peoples. This course provides an overview of African history and the African Diaspora (dispersal) to the “New World” with particular emphasis on the African Nova Scotian experience. The course will equip students with a sound understanding of the experiences, local achievements and contributions of people of African descent. Students will discuss the geographical, historical, economic, political and social experiences, struggles and life stories of a people who have made a significant contribution to world history. This course is open to all students.

Canadian History 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course uses both a chronological and a thematic approach to Canadian History through the study of continuing or persistent questions. These questions are of current concern and have deep historical roots in that previous generations of Canadians have had to address the questions. Efforts to address the questions have shaped Canada and its identity. Among the continuing/persistent questions that this course will address are the following:

1. Globalization: What has been Canada’s place in the community of nations, and what should Canada’s role be?

2. Development: How has the Canadian economy evolved in an attempt to meet the needs and wants of all Canada’s peoples?

3. Governance: Have governments in Canada, past and present, been reflective of Canadian societies?

4. Sovereignty: How have struggles for sovereignty defined Canada and how do they continue to define Canada?

This course has an online component and students should be prepared to spend some time, either at school or at home, doing activities found on the web site during the semester.

Economics 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course places a specific emphasis on the basic economic structure of Canada and the role Canada plays in a global economic community. Economics 11 will enable students to examine aspects of Canada’s economy that affect them as individuals and as part of the global community. Students will explore the basis for economic study with the critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting economic events and making informed personal economic choices.
Students will explore the following topics: basis for economic study, role of money, supply and demand, markets and the economy, production and productivity, inflation and unemployment, government involvement in the economy, and distribution of income and wealth in Canada.

Global Geography 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
Global Geography is a grade twelve course, which may be used to satisfy the requirement for successful completion of the high school program. It features eight compulsory units, which are based on the standard themes and skills of the discipline of geography. These units are: Our Fragile Planet, Environmental Hazards, The Peopled Planet, Feeding the Planet, Global Resources, Global Factory, Urbanization and The Future Planet. Each unit is based upon a theme the study of which is fundamental to an understanding of our contemporary planetary condition. In combination, the study of these units should help students answer the key question upon which the course is built: “How did the world arrive at its current state at the close of the 20th Century ?”.

Global History 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
Global History is a grade twelve course, which may be used to satisfy the requirement for successful completion of the high school program. This course examines the major themes in the history of the post World War II era. Students will examine these themes in five compulsory units: East-West: The Role of Super Power in the Post - World War II Era; North-South: The Origins and Consequences of Economic Disparity; The Pursuit of Justice; Societal and Technological Change; Acknowledging Global Interdependence; and The Legacy of the Twentieth Century. In their study of these units, students will examine history from three perspectives - social, economic, and political - and will use the research and inquiry skills of the historian. Throughout their studies, students will address the focus question of the course: “Has humanity emerged into a world whose actions are governed more by interdependence at the global level than by dependence or independence at the national or international level? “ Likewise, they will be able to propose reasonable answers to the question upon which Nova Scotia’s global studies courses are built - “How did the world arrive at its current state at the close of the Twentieth Century ?”.

Sociology 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This sociology course is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the development of sociology and its relationship to the other social sciences. It gives students the opportunity to be exposed to how language, culture and social institutions evolved. With this knowledge, students can apply what they have learned to Canadian social issues. Canadian sociological issues that might be considered include the family, students and schools, poverty, minority groups, women in society, labor and management, conflict, crime in Canada, punishment and rehabilitation, and the future.

Law 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
The Canadian law course is designed to provide students with a knowledge of law and its function in society and the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes that will enable them to understand the process of law. Topics include the Nova Scotia court system, law-making procedure, criminal law procedure, civil law and individual disputes, jury selection, drug and alcohol offences, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and tort law. A visit to a Court session will usually be included.

Comparative World Religions 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course deals with the role of religion in the development of human personality and community. Its aim is to familiarize students with the diverse religious heritage that has developed world wide. Topics that are covered include: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as units on sin and guilt, death and dying, religious experiences and personal growth and development in terms of religious values. Assigned readings, projects, discussion, research, as well as visits to temples, synagogues and churches will be a vital part of the course.
Note: This is a locally approved course.

Political Science 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course will be an introduction to the fundaments of politics. The basic needs of humanity will be examined through a variety of psychological and philosophical perspectives in order to understand the theoretical process of instituting government. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the ideas of the great thinkers of the Western political tradition. In-depth analysis of the historical and moral implications of the political systems – from Marxism to democracy – that arose as a result of the age of ideology, will be a central component of study. Comparison to, and knowledge of, the Canadian political system will also be a central feature of this course. Students are expected to take the course seriously as it will require intense and critical introspective reflection. It is recommended, but not essential, that students successfully complete a history course at the grade 11 level prior to taking Political Science.

Economics 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course provides a more systematic and in-depth study of economic issues and theories. By providing a balanced and wide range of perspectives, students will be encouraged to evaluate and debate real-world economic issues for themselves. Analytical and critical thinking skills will be emphasized throughout the course.
Major units will include microeconomics theory (supply and demand, the theory of the firm) and macroeconomics theory (economic growth, government policy, economic indicators). Optional units will be chosen from topics such as the history of economic ideas; international trade; and interpreting economic data.
The Internet will be used throughout as a database and as a research tool. Students will have the opportunity to complete a project and participate in a national stock market competition.

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