Social Studies Course Offerings for Fall 2024:
The new BC Social Studies Curriculum has now been fully implemented and all students MUST complete Social Studies 8,9 & 10 AND at least ONE senior social studies MINISTRY approved elective for graduation.
Below are a list of our Ministry Approved Courses & our Elective Courses.
Please note that Psychology 12 and ALL AP Socials courses are ELECTIVES!
MINISTRY APPROVED COURSES:
(You MUST take ONE of these for graduation)
Social Studies 11 Explorations (OPTIONAL NOT REQUIRED FOR OTHER COURSES)
This is no longer the old Socials 11 course. Explorations is designed to provide flexibility for teachers & students while ensuring that the rigorous provincial standards are met. Students will get a sampling of senior Socials electives in this course. Note: This course is NOT a pre-requisite for any of our grade 12 offerings.(Courses/topics TBA)
20th Century World History 12 (formerly History 12)
A study of world history in the 20th Century and examination of the developments that have profoundly affected our civilization and way of life. Topics include: World War I, World War II; the Cold War; Independence Movements; Dictators; Revolutions; Communism; Civil Rights; and Social & Cultural Developments.
Comparative Cultures 12
This course offers a curriculum which places an emphasis on a variety of Ancient Civilizations including Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and the Maya. Students will have the opportunity to study the world's cultural history and make connections across various societies.
Law Studies 12
A survey course of Canadian law and legal issues. Emphasis is on statute law, and case law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and criminal and civil law as encountered by the average citizen. Topics include: Procedural law; human rights; contracts; torts; family law; consumer law; young offenders law; and emerging legal concerns. Field trips to the Law Courts.
Philosophy 12
This course explores how big questions have been approached through Western thought. Philosophers seek to answer such questions as, what is the meaning and purpose of life? How do we know what we know? Does God exist? What does it mean to possess consciousness? And, what is the value of morals?Students will be reading some of the most important works from philosophical tradition and think critically about their meaning. Philosophy is a discipline that exercises reason & logic in an attempt to understand reality and answer fundamental questions about knowledge, life, morality and human nature.
Physical Geography 12 (formerly Geography 12)
A study of the forces that shape the earth’s surface, the resulting features, and how they affect people. Students will study aspects of the atmosphere, climate and weather, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Key topics include: creation of land forms, and tectonics, and gradational forces, human impact on the environment and environmental impacts on humans, resource assessment and management and threats to the environment including issues around Climate Change. Field trips (boating, hiking, camping, and more).
Social Justice 12
Students will use a number of sources including readings, films, music, internet sources, in-school presentations, and field trips to explore topics including: poverty, discrimination, globalization, genocide, gender, and LGBTQ issues. This course will develop students’ ethical & philosophical reasoning skills by exploring issues of injustice in a local & global context. Students will also plan their own Action Project to positively change the world according to their area of interest.
Asian Studies 12
This is a new course we will be offering in alternating years that will examine the breadth and diversity of Asia’s physical and human resources that have contributed to the development of distinct and disparate political, cultural, and economic regions in the late 20th century. It will also examine: colonialism, imperialism, and resource disparity that have been the primary reasons for conflict and movement of peoples in Asia; ethnic, regional, and national identities, shaped in part by geography and migration. Lastly, it will look at the rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth in Asia in the late 20th Century and how it created complex environmental changes.
BC First Peoples 12
This course is a newer course that will allow students to study the following topics as related to Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia:
- The identities, worldviews, and languages of B.C. First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.
- The impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples.
- Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
- Through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, B.C. First Peoples challenge and resist Canada's ongoing colonialism.
ELECTIVE COURSES:
(Optional electives that DO NOT COUNT as a Ministry Approved Socials credit)
BAA COURSES
The following course is considered a BAA (board-approved) elective and, although it count towards graduation credits, it does not satisfy the requirement of senior Social Studies elective required after Social Studies 10.
PSYCHOLOGY 12
An introductory course on human behaviour and basic concepts in modern psychology. The course covers the five major psychological domains: methods, biopsychological, cognitive, developmental, socio-cultural domains. This course is recommended for those students who have an interest for Psychology and wish to pursue it further at a post-secondary institution. This course is also recommended as a prerequisite for AP Psychology 12 but not a requirement.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL STUDIES 12
Students develop their intercultural knowledge and competencies through explorations of their individual, cultural, community, provincial, and national identities, and those of people from those that differ from our own. They gain the knowledge, awareness, and skills to navigate across cultures and understand the dynamics of global interconnectedness. Students develop an understanding of culture, how it is shaped and how it shapes society, as well as their own view of the world. In reflecting upon and analyzing their personal cultural values first, they develop a foundation for probing and understanding those of peers from other cultural backgrounds. This then provides a departure point for better understanding the place of Canada in the world and subsequently how others from around the world perceive Canada and Canadians. Some students may choose to focus on how different groups within Canada perceive each other and interact. Subsequently, within this context, they will gain insight on the interconnectedness of global issues and how culture influences those issues.
AP SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies are considered electives and DO NOT COUNT as a Ministry approved senior Social Studies courses for socials credit for graduation!!! (minimum one Ministry-approved course required after Social Studies 10) but credits do count towards graduation as elective credits. There is no requirement to get into our AP Courses but an 86% or higher in Social Studies 10 is highly recommended to keep with the academic rigour that these courses demand.
AP Economics 12
This course will cover the curriculum for both AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. Micro will focus on the supply and demand for products, labour markets, and the role competition plays in a free market system. Macro will focus on the economy as a whole, including economic measures, economic growth, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. Students will receive double course credits for both AP Micro and AP Macro, and will be prepared to write both AP Exams.
AP European History 12 (offered alternate years)
This course is the study of European history from 1450-2000 CE & introduces students to the Renaissance, Religious Reformation & Wars, Absolute Monarchs, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, French & English Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, World Wars, the Cold War, & so much more.
AP Human Geography 12 (offered alternate years)
AP Human Geography allows students to learn about world population issues, border disputes, and international conflicts. In addition, students are exposed to economic theories and models as well as world religions and the origins and diffusion of languages, urban development, industrialization, and city planning. Field trips include: BC Mining Museum and Sailing Trips.
AP Psychology 12
This course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study, and behaviour and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the sub fields in psychology.
** Please note that ECONOMICS 12 will no longer be under the Social Studies Department. Social Studies still has AP Economics under our department but the Economics 12 has changed content and is now under the Business Education Department. Please see Mr. Chan if you have any economics related questions.
The new BC Social Studies Curriculum has now been fully implemented and all students MUST complete Social Studies 8,9 & 10 AND at least ONE senior social studies MINISTRY approved elective for graduation.
Below are a list of our Ministry Approved Courses & our Elective Courses.
Please note that Psychology 12 and ALL AP Socials courses are ELECTIVES!
MINISTRY APPROVED COURSES:
(You MUST take ONE of these for graduation)
Social Studies 11 Explorations (OPTIONAL NOT REQUIRED FOR OTHER COURSES)
This is no longer the old Socials 11 course. Explorations is designed to provide flexibility for teachers & students while ensuring that the rigorous provincial standards are met. Students will get a sampling of senior Socials electives in this course. Note: This course is NOT a pre-requisite for any of our grade 12 offerings.(Courses/topics TBA)
20th Century World History 12 (formerly History 12)
A study of world history in the 20th Century and examination of the developments that have profoundly affected our civilization and way of life. Topics include: World War I, World War II; the Cold War; Independence Movements; Dictators; Revolutions; Communism; Civil Rights; and Social & Cultural Developments.
Comparative Cultures 12
This course offers a curriculum which places an emphasis on a variety of Ancient Civilizations including Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan and the Maya. Students will have the opportunity to study the world's cultural history and make connections across various societies.
Law Studies 12
A survey course of Canadian law and legal issues. Emphasis is on statute law, and case law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and criminal and civil law as encountered by the average citizen. Topics include: Procedural law; human rights; contracts; torts; family law; consumer law; young offenders law; and emerging legal concerns. Field trips to the Law Courts.
Philosophy 12
This course explores how big questions have been approached through Western thought. Philosophers seek to answer such questions as, what is the meaning and purpose of life? How do we know what we know? Does God exist? What does it mean to possess consciousness? And, what is the value of morals?Students will be reading some of the most important works from philosophical tradition and think critically about their meaning. Philosophy is a discipline that exercises reason & logic in an attempt to understand reality and answer fundamental questions about knowledge, life, morality and human nature.
Physical Geography 12 (formerly Geography 12)
A study of the forces that shape the earth’s surface, the resulting features, and how they affect people. Students will study aspects of the atmosphere, climate and weather, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Key topics include: creation of land forms, and tectonics, and gradational forces, human impact on the environment and environmental impacts on humans, resource assessment and management and threats to the environment including issues around Climate Change. Field trips (boating, hiking, camping, and more).
Social Justice 12
Students will use a number of sources including readings, films, music, internet sources, in-school presentations, and field trips to explore topics including: poverty, discrimination, globalization, genocide, gender, and LGBTQ issues. This course will develop students’ ethical & philosophical reasoning skills by exploring issues of injustice in a local & global context. Students will also plan their own Action Project to positively change the world according to their area of interest.
Asian Studies 12
This is a new course we will be offering in alternating years that will examine the breadth and diversity of Asia’s physical and human resources that have contributed to the development of distinct and disparate political, cultural, and economic regions in the late 20th century. It will also examine: colonialism, imperialism, and resource disparity that have been the primary reasons for conflict and movement of peoples in Asia; ethnic, regional, and national identities, shaped in part by geography and migration. Lastly, it will look at the rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth in Asia in the late 20th Century and how it created complex environmental changes.
BC First Peoples 12
This course is a newer course that will allow students to study the following topics as related to Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia:
- The identities, worldviews, and languages of B.C. First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land.
- The impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples.
- Cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples.
- Through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, B.C. First Peoples challenge and resist Canada's ongoing colonialism.
ELECTIVE COURSES:
(Optional electives that DO NOT COUNT as a Ministry Approved Socials credit)
BAA COURSES
The following course is considered a BAA (board-approved) elective and, although it count towards graduation credits, it does not satisfy the requirement of senior Social Studies elective required after Social Studies 10.
PSYCHOLOGY 12
An introductory course on human behaviour and basic concepts in modern psychology. The course covers the five major psychological domains: methods, biopsychological, cognitive, developmental, socio-cultural domains. This course is recommended for those students who have an interest for Psychology and wish to pursue it further at a post-secondary institution. This course is also recommended as a prerequisite for AP Psychology 12 but not a requirement.
GLOBAL AND INTERCULTURAL STUDIES 12
Students develop their intercultural knowledge and competencies through explorations of their individual, cultural, community, provincial, and national identities, and those of people from those that differ from our own. They gain the knowledge, awareness, and skills to navigate across cultures and understand the dynamics of global interconnectedness. Students develop an understanding of culture, how it is shaped and how it shapes society, as well as their own view of the world. In reflecting upon and analyzing their personal cultural values first, they develop a foundation for probing and understanding those of peers from other cultural backgrounds. This then provides a departure point for better understanding the place of Canada in the world and subsequently how others from around the world perceive Canada and Canadians. Some students may choose to focus on how different groups within Canada perceive each other and interact. Subsequently, within this context, they will gain insight on the interconnectedness of global issues and how culture influences those issues.
AP SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
Advanced Placement courses in Social Studies are considered electives and DO NOT COUNT as a Ministry approved senior Social Studies courses for socials credit for graduation!!! (minimum one Ministry-approved course required after Social Studies 10) but credits do count towards graduation as elective credits. There is no requirement to get into our AP Courses but an 86% or higher in Social Studies 10 is highly recommended to keep with the academic rigour that these courses demand.
AP Economics 12
This course will cover the curriculum for both AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. Micro will focus on the supply and demand for products, labour markets, and the role competition plays in a free market system. Macro will focus on the economy as a whole, including economic measures, economic growth, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. Students will receive double course credits for both AP Micro and AP Macro, and will be prepared to write both AP Exams.
AP European History 12 (offered alternate years)
This course is the study of European history from 1450-2000 CE & introduces students to the Renaissance, Religious Reformation & Wars, Absolute Monarchs, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, French & English Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, Russian Revolution, World Wars, the Cold War, & so much more.
AP Human Geography 12 (offered alternate years)
AP Human Geography allows students to learn about world population issues, border disputes, and international conflicts. In addition, students are exposed to economic theories and models as well as world religions and the origins and diffusion of languages, urban development, industrialization, and city planning. Field trips include: BC Mining Museum and Sailing Trips.
AP Psychology 12
This course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study, and behaviour and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the sub fields in psychology.
** Please note that ECONOMICS 12 will no longer be under the Social Studies Department. Social Studies still has AP Economics under our department but the Economics 12 has changed content and is now under the Business Education Department. Please see Mr. Chan if you have any economics related questions.
