Social Studies

Social studies provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and responsible citizens. 

It is an interdisciplinary subject that draws upon:

• History
• Geography
• Ecology
• Economics
• Law
• Philosophy
• Political science
• Other social science disciplines

Social Studies is one of the required courses that students must take at all grade levels to prepare for continued academic studies and/or to improve their knowledge for the world of work.

All Social Studies courses are worth five credits each. Social Studies 30-1 and Social Studies 30-2 are diploma exam courses, and students' final grades in these courses are calculated as 70% of their school-awarded mark plus 30% of their diploma exam mark.

Social Studies 10-1, 20-1, 30-1

This is an academically rigorous program in which students will be expected to concentrate on the complex and analytical study of globalization, nationalism and ideology. The 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 numbers signify a higher-level sequence, in which research, inquiry, and analytical skills as well as reading, writing, discussion, debate, and presentation skills are emphasized in a more complex and formal form.

It is recommended that students with a Social Studies 9 mark of 65% or higher (Excellent/Competent) enrol in Social 10-1. Social Studies 30-1 is a course intended for students who wish to enrol in degree programs at post-secondary institutions.

Social Studies 10-2, 20-2, 30-2

This is a general program in which students will be expected to concentrate on studying the relationships that exist in a globalizing world, understanding nationalism and learning about ideology. The 10-2, 20-2, 30-2 numbers signify the minimum level required for graduation. In this course sequence, students will investigate, analyze and evaluate policies and actions in response to contemporary local, national and global issues.

It is recommended that students with a Social Studies 9 mark between 50% and 64% (Satisfactory) enroll in Social 10-2. Social Studies 30-2 is a course intended for students who wish to enroll in a diploma program at a post-secondary institution, or who wish to enter the workforce following graduation.

The following Social Studies courses are available at CFL Summer School. Click on the name of the course to read its description.

PM VL BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Grade 9 Social Studies
Credits: 5

In this course, you’ll explore what it means to be a citizen of your community, your province and your country. You’ll also consider a variety of perspectives as you explore the impact of globalization on identity, lands, cultures, economies, human rights and quality of life.

This is the first course in an academically rigorous stream intended for students who wish to enrol in degree programs at post-secondary institutions.

PM VL BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Grade 9 Social Studies
Credits: 5

In this course, you’ll explore globalization, beginning with what it means and how it works. You’ll also consider a variety of perspectives as you explore the impact of globalization on identity, lands, cultures, economies, human rights, and quality of life. 

This course is the first in a stream intended for students who wish to enrol in a diploma program at a post-secondary institution, or who wish to enter the work force following graduation.

PM VL BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Social Studies 10-1
Credits: 5

Nationalism defined! In this course, you’ll explore the complexities of nationalism in Canadian and international contexts, including the origins of nationalism and the influence of nationalism on regional, international, and global relations. You’ll consider a variety of perspectives as you consider how nationalism contributes to the citizenship and identities of peoples in Canada.

This is the second course in an academically rigorous stream intended for students who wish to enrol in degree programs at post-secondary institutions.

PM VL BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Social Studies 10-2
Credits: 5

To what extent should we embrace nationalism? Explore the answer to this question as you examine historical and contemporary understandings of nationalism in Canada and the world. Examine the origins and impacts of nationalism on individuals and communities from a variety of perspectives through examples of nationalism, ultra-nationalism, supra-nationalism, and internationalism. Topics include the French Revolution, World War I, Nazi Germany, and the development of foreign policy in the Global Village.

This course is the second in a stream intended for students who wish to enrol in a diploma program at a post-secondary institution, or who wish to enter the work force following graduation.

PM VL DIP BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Social Studies 20-1
Credits: 5

Investigating ideologies! What is an ideology and how do ideologies develop and impact individuals, communities, and societies as a whole? Uncover the answers to these questions and more as you investigate topics such as ideology and identity, liberalism, individual and collective rights, and democratic citizenship.

This is the third and final course in an academically rigorous stream intended for students who wish to enrol in degree programs at post-secondary institutions.

PM VL DIP BD

Prerequisite: Completion of Social Studies 20-2
Credits: 5

To what extent should we embrace an ideology? This question will guide you as you explore what an ideology is, and how it forms. You’ll also consider issues such as the relationship between identity and ideology as you investigate liberalism and the values attached to it and explore your personal rights, roles, and responsibilities as a citizen. Topics include World War II, the Cold War, economic systems and Canada's democracy.

This is the third and final course in a stream intended for students who wish to enrol in a diploma program at a post-secondary institution, or who wish to enter the work force following graduation.